News Release

NICE, France (GNB) – The members of Team Canada – New Brunswick are coming home today with the feeling of a job well done after collecting six medals and having an enriching experience in the sports and cultural fields at the VIIth Jeux de la Francophonie in Nice, France.

Jean-Luc Benoit, the team’s chef-de-mission, was pleased with this international experience, which exposed 24 young New Brunswick athletes and artists to a high-calibre of activities.

"The VII Games of La Francophonie will be remembered for furthering the development of our athletes and artists," Benoit said following the closing ceremonies on Sept. 15. "I am happy with our results and especially pleased to see our young people learning on the international scene. Many of them were making their debut at this level, and they did not disappoint."

Team Canada – New Brunswick equalled its record for the most medals won, with six, all in sports. That record was established at the IIIrd Games of La Francophonie, in Madagascar in 1997.

Samantha Stewart won a gold medal, and Geneviève Lalonde, Thomas McRae, Shawn Daye-Finley, Charles Thoms and Marc Fortner all took bronze.

The artists also had some success with their work even though they did not win any medals. New Brunswick was represented by four artists in the following disciplines: literature, painting, photography and storytelling.

"The artists had a great experience of exchange and creation with artists from the other delegations," Benoit said. "We had quality work and the artists enjoyed their stay. They discovered new working methods and developed new friendships with people from around the world. The quality and diversity of the work was astonishing, both the entries in the competitions and the work created during the workshops. Congratulations to our artists who represented us so well."

Wrestling made its return to the Games program, and New Brunswick athletes captured four medals in that discipline. One medal came in judo and another in athletics.

"Our 20 athletes experienced an emotion-filled week with high-level competitions that will benefit their long-term development," Benoit said. "International experience can only help them grow here at home. I extend sincere thanks to the sports associations, coaches, managers, parents and administrators who do such great work with our young athletes. Our young people need full support as they continue in their sport."

"Our investments of the past few years certainly helped," said Roger Duval, chef-de-delegation. "We have targeted certain programs, such as athlete assistance, and those efforts are reflected in our results. I am also encouraged by our performance in the arts. The Games provided a unique experience for our young artists, enabling them to show their talents and exhibit their work internationally, which will motivate them to continue their development."