WHITEHORSE, May 22, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator (Whitehorse), today announced the names of the winners in four age groups and the territorial finalist in the 2009 Canada Day Poster Challenge.
The Yukon finalist, Arturo Calvo, aged 14, attends Vanier Catholic Secondary School in Whitehorse. He interpreted this year's theme, "With Glowing Hearts," with style and originality. For Arturo, "with glowing hearts" meant the rich and vibrant spirit of Canada, which he represented through a torch and a flame that show how this spirit is ignited and burns throughout our country.
"I am proud to see how creative and inspiring our young Canadians are. All the participants were able to show us how they see Canada-from the splendour of its landscapes to the wealth of its history and cultural diversity," said Minister Moore. "With the 2010 Winter Games less than a year away, the Poster Challenge has allowed thousands of young people from every part of the country to take part in the excitement and to once again demonstrate that these are truly Canada's Games. Congratulations to everyone who took on the Poster Challenge."
"Using their creativity and imagination, our young people demonstrated, yet again, their blossoming artistic talents," said Senator Lang. "By creating scenes describing their favourite sport, Sam, Steven, Arturo, and Laura all depicted, in their own way, the success of our athletes, our cultural history, and the natural landmarks that characterize our great country. Congratulations. You all deserve a winning spot on the podium."
In Yukon, 71 participants between the ages of 5 and 18 rose to the Challenge this year. The territorial finalist was chosen from among the four winners in the following age groups:
- 5 to 8 years: Sam Parsons Crocker, aged 8, Robert Service School, Dawson City
- 9 to 11 years: Steven Guenette, aged 11, private participation from Whitehorse
- 12 to 14 years: Arturo Calvo, aged 14, Vanier Catholic Secondary School, Whitehorse
- 15 to 18 years: Laura MacKinnon, aged 16, St-Elias Community School, Haines Junction
Arturo will be among the 13 provincial and territorial finalists who will go to Ottawa in June to participate in the Canada Day celebrations. As a finalist, he also has a chance to win this year's special grand prize: an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
The grand prize winner, whose work will become the official poster for Celebrate Canada and be distributed nationwide, will be announced later today.
Created in 1987, the Poster Challenge program encourages young Canadians to learn more about Canada, which makes them even more proud of our country and strengthens their feeling of belonging.
For more information on the 2009 Canada Day Poster Challenge, please visit www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
