News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government today released the names of its representatives on the board of directors of the organizing committee for the 2021 International Games of La Francophonie. The Games will be held in Moncton and Dieppe.

“I thank everyone in the province who showed an interest, and I congratulate the members chosen to sit on the board who will be called upon to play a major role in the organization and presentation of the biggest sporting and cultural event ever held in New Brunswick,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for La Francophonie.

The five provincial members who will sit on the board are:

• Éric Cormier

• Mirelle Cyr

• Éric Mathieu Doucet

• Kim Rayworth

• Linda Schofield

The organizing committee, a national non-profit body, consists of five members appointed by the provincial government, four members appointed by the federal government, one member – André Vincent – representing the City of Moncton, and one member – Guy Duguay – representing the City of Dieppe.

“It is a real honour for the city of Moncton to be one of the host cities for the 2021 Games of La Francophonie,” said Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold. “Holding the Games in our region will have a very positive impact on our community for many years to come. Also, this unifying project will increase our hosting capacity significantly and will promote our region, our province and our country throughout La Francophonie.”

The members will serve on the board of directors until the organization is dissolved in 2022.

“The City of Dieppe is pleased that Guy Duguay was chosen to sit on the organizing committee for the International Games of La Francophonie,” said Dieppe Mayor Yvon Lapierre. “During the course of his career, Mr. Duguay has made a name for himself through his dedication to the community and his involvement in the sports world. A graduate of the Université de Moncton in leisure studies with a certificate in economic development from the University of Waterloo, he was the first Jeux de l’Acadie athlete to become president of the games. He worked for the City of Dieppe for several years and helped to develop the downtown we know today. He was also the first executive director of the Commission de tourisme acadien du Canada atlantique. Mr. Duguay’s background and experience certainly make him an asset for the success of this major event.”

The Games are the largest sporting and cultural event of the Francophonie dedicated to youth. They are held every four years, in the year following the Olympic Summer Games.

“We can all be proud that New Brunswick was chosen to host and organize these prestigious games, which bring together more than 3,000 participants from more than 50 member nations,” said Landry. “It is thanks to our status as an officially bilingual province and our participation in the International Organization of La Francophonie that we are able to benefit from such significant international partnerships. Hosting this unique event will have major sporting, economic, social and cultural spinoffs for New Brunswick.”