Minister Moore Announces Support for 150th Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival
VICTORIA, British Columbia, May 18, 2013 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and Minister Responsible for British Columbia, today announced support for the 150th Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival.
His Royal Highness The Duke of York will be the guest of honour this year in his role as Chief of the Games.
“On behalf of the Prime Minister of Canada and all Canadians, I extend a warm welcome to His Royal Highness The Duke of York,” said Minister Moore. “I am delighted that he will be in Victoria to celebrate this milestone year for the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival.”
The Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival are the largest Games in Western Canada and one of the oldest in North America, with its first official games recorded in 1864. This year’s activities include pipe band and highland dancing competitions, art displays, and Scottish and Celtic folk music performances.
“Our Government is proud to invest in celebrations and commemorations that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians,” added Minister Moore. “On the road to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, let us celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, strong, and free country we are today.”
“Funding from the Government of Canada has assisted the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival to celebrate its 150th anniversary with an enhanced schedule of Scottish and Celtic arts and heritage activities,” said Jim Maxwell, President of the Victoria Highland Games Association. “This investment has provided the local community with more opportunities to participate in the longest running cultural event in Western Canada as community organizations, volunteers, artists and performers.”
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $18,100 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
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