News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government today announced the members of the team that will represent New Brunswick at the ninth Jeux de la Francophonie to be held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, from July 28 to Aug. 6.

“This major gathering is an opportunity for young New Brunswickers to shine on the international stage. I commend all the athletes and artists selected to represent our province and their coaches and chaperones,” said Glen Savoie, minister responsible for la Francophonie. “The Jeux de la Francophonie play an important role in the development and emergence of New Brunswick athletes and artists at a global level.”

The Games are a sporting and cultural event for athletes and artists from states and governments that are members of the International Organization of the Francophonie, of which New Brunswick is a part.

“The athletes and artists participating at these Games have worked very hard to reach this level of competition,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace. “New Brunswickers are proud to have such talented representatives of our province, and I wish all our Team New Brunswick participants the best in Kinshasa.”

The province will be represented in the following sports and cultural disciplines:

Freestyle wrestling

Tania Blanchard, Fredericton (under 50 kg)

Vivian Kutnowski, Fredericton (under 65 kg)

Jonathan Sherrard, Fredericton (under 65 kg)

Raymond Hazell, Richibucto (under 70 kg)

Elena Sehic, Fredericton (under 72 kg)

Koen Poirier, Bathurst (under 74 kg)

Don Ryan, Maugerville (coach)

Jeff Allen, Fredericton (assistant coach)

Painting

Guillaume Lépine, Taylor Village

Literature

Pierre-André Doucet, Moncton

Doucet will be Team New Brunswick’s flag bearer in the parade of nations, which will take place during the opening ceremonies on July 28. He is a pianist, writer, and cultural sector worker. This will be Doucet’s third Games, having participated in Nice, France in 2013 and in Beirut, Lebanon in 2009.

The participants will be supported by the head of delegation Willy Mayaliwa, the chef de mission Jason Arseneault, and mission staff member Armand Doucet.

More information about the Games is available online (website in French only).