Games of la
Francophonie

Congratulations to All Team Canada Participants!

It is with great pleasure that I witnessed your cultural and athletic exploits here in Beirut. I was impressed by the energy and creativity of our young Canadians. The impressive number of medals won by Team Canada is proof of your commitment and your tremendous potential. In addition to your determination to excel in your own discipline, you have represented the diversity of our great country with honour and established ties of friendship and solidarity with other young people who, like you, are part of the international Francophonie.

I congratulate all of you on bringing to life the themes of the Games—excellence, diversity, and solidarity. This gathering of young people from member countries of La Francophonie is not only a chance to perform, but also a unique opportunity to unite sport, culture, and youth in building a peaceful future.

I would like to take advantage of this newsletter to thank all the staff members at the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada who helped make these Games a success. And I could not go without mentioning the dedication of the mission staff, led by Madeleine Duchesne, or the constant support of the cultural and sport team leaders. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the entire medical team that allowed you to give your all at these Games.

All of you—athletes, artists, coaches, team leaders, and mission staff—have experienced victory and disappointment. And we have all grown from this unforgettable experience and will return to Canada stronger than ever. I encourage all of you to continue to pursue your dreams, to grow and to outdo yourselves.

Marie-Geneviève Mounier
Assistant Deputy Minister,
International and Intergovernmental Affairs and Sport
Department of Canadian Heritage