Team Canada Wins 36 Medals at the Games of La Francophonie

BEIRUT, Lebanon, October 8, 2009 - On behalf of the Government of Canada, three ministers extended their congratulations to Team Canada on its performance at the VI Games of La Francophonie in Beirut, Lebanon. Team Canada came through with flying colours by winning 36 medals in the Games' cultural and sport competitions. This total gave Team Canada a fourth-place ranking overall in medals, behind France, Morocco, and Romania.

Team Canada won a total of 9 gold, 10 silver, and 17 bronze medals. Of that number, 3 medals went to artists in photography, sculpture, and song. The men's beach volleyball team won gold in this demonstration sport at the Games, while the women's team won bronze; these medals are not counted in Team Canada's total.

"The Games of La Francophonie have the special feature of combining culture and sport, and of enabling our participants to celebrate French language and culture, cultural diversity, and sport excellence," said Minister Moore. "I congratulate all of Team Canada's artists and athletes, who put in long hours to prepare for these high-level competitions. Canadians are extremely proud of your performance."

"Our artists and athletes have performed admirably at the Games of La Francophonie, and have once again demonstrated Canada's excellence. Our Government is proud of our athletes and will continue to support them," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). "Since their creation, the Games have enabled thousands of young athletes and artists to benefit from an extraordinary experience and to represent Canada with pride to the world."

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate all three Canadian teams for their excellent work. You have represented our country with gusto on the international scene," said the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister for La Francophonie. "The Government of Canada would like to thank Lebanon and the organizers who made this event a resounding success."

The Games of La Francophonie were established at the 1987 Summit of La Francophonie in Québec City and were first held 20 years ago. This major international cultural and sport event is for athletes and artists from member states and governments of the Francophonie. This year, the Games in Lebanon hosted around 2500 participants from more than 40 delegations.

The Games of La Francophonie are unique among events of this type because they are the only international games featuring competitions in both sport and cultural categories.

Since the first Games of La Francophonie, Canada has sent a delegation made up of three teams: Team Canada, Team Canada-New Brunswick and Team Canada-Québec. In 2001, Canada had the honour of hosting the IV Games of La Francophonie in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca

Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable
Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1131

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca