ST. JOHN'S, May 22, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Fabian Manning, Senator (St. Bride's), today announced the names of the winners in four age groups and the provincial finalist in the 2009 Canada Day Poster Challenge.
The Newfoundland and Labrador finalist, Amy Park, age 15, attends Mountain Feild Academy in Forteau, Labrador. She interpreted this year's theme, "With Glowing Hearts," with style and originality.
Amy's poster uses brilliant colours to integrate the theme of sports with some of Canada's most beloved icons, including the Peace Tower and the railway. The focal point of the picture is the Olympic Torch, cradled by white mittens adorned with maple leaves. The Torch is decorated in a banner proudly displaying the flags of Canada's provinces and territories. Arising from the torch is an enormous glowing heart containing a stylized map of the world, showing "how Canada adds warmth to the world."
"I am proud to see how creative and inspiring our young Canadians are. All of 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."
"Once again this year, young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians showed their pride in Canada by participating enthusiastically in the Canada Day Poster Challenge," said Senator Manning. "Youth from all over the province created wonderful images that depicted their vision of Canada and the importance of sport to our national identity. Congratulations to our four talented finalists!"
In Newfoundland and Labrador, close to 1300 young people between the ages of 5 and 18 rose to the Challenge this year. The provincial finalist was chosen from among the four winners in the following age groups:
- 5 to 8 years: Nathan Pitts, age 8, Coley's Point Primary, Bay Roberts
- 9 to 11 years: Haley O'Driscoll, age 11, Amalgamated Academy, Bay Roberts
- 12 to 14 years: Halyn Waye, age 13, Matthew Elementary, Bonavista
- 15 to 18 years: Amy Park, age 15, Mountain Feild Academy, Forteau
Amy 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, she 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 is chosen from among the 13 provincial and territorial finalists. The winner's work will become the official poster for Celebrate Canada and will be distributed nationwide.
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, 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
