FREDERICTON (GNB) – The 9th Francophonie Games came to a close on Sunday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Team Canada-New Brunswick returned home with two bronze medals in freestyle wrestling and also took part in cultural competitions at the games.
Fredericton wrestlers Vivian Kutnowski and Elena Sehic won medals in their weight categories (under 65 kg and under 72 kg respectively).
Nearly 40 international delegations comprised of more than 2,500 young athletes, artists and chaperones attended the event; eight New Brunswickers competed in literature, painting and wrestling.
“The New Brunswick delegation had a memorable experience participating in the Francophonie Games,” said Glen Savoie, minister responsible for la Francophonie. “Furthermore, the artists were able to present their work to a very receptive audience and networked with other artists from many other countries and member states of the International Organization of La Francophonie.”
The Francophonie Games represent a unique opportunity for New Brunswick to participate in achieving its objectives within La Francophonie, and to offer young people an international experience in artistic and athletic development.
“We are proud of our participants, who delivered great results,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace. “Our participants were very well received by the people of Kinshasa. Collaboration with Team Canada was excellent, and the opening ceremony was truly impressive, with 80,000 spectators.”
As many as 84 delegations from the governments and member states of the International Organization of La Francophonie have been invited to take part in the next Games, which will be held in 2027.
09-08-23
