VICTORIA, Monday June 4th 2018 – Participating partners signed agreements today, setting the stage for largest gathering of Canadian French-speaking young people in Victoria in 2020. The agreements confirm the eighth edition of the Canadian Francophone Games will take place in venues throughout Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Saanich and Victoria, July 14 to 18, 2020.
More than 1,000 young people from every Canadian province and territory will participate in the CFGames featuring more than 70 events in 13 disciplines in art, leadership and sports. The events include: track and field, volleyball, visual arts, public speaking, culinary arts and sailing.
More than 400 medals will be awarded.
The Victoria 2020 Canadian Francophone Games Organizing Committee is responsible for staging the CFGames that will contribute to the socio-cultural and identity development of young Canadians between 14 and 18 years old who speak French.
The CFGames will be held in the following proposed venues:
- Opening and closing ceremonies: Willows Park, Oak Bay;
- Arts, leadership and sport competitions: Oak Bay High School and Oak Bay Rec Centre;
- Track and field: University of Victoria, Saanich;
- Sailing: Canadian Forces Sailing Association, Esquimalt;
- Arts gala: Royal Theatre, Victoria.
The CFGames are a major cultural event to showcase the Greater Victoria area. Tourism and economic revenues from hosting this event could generate up to $4 million from 2018 to 2020 in direct investment with more indirect tourism revenues in the four communities hosting the CFGames.
The local organizing committee is looking for more than 500 volunteers to help stage the CFGames.
The Canadian Francophone Games are among the largest gatherings of Canada’s French speaking youth. In addition to encouraging hundreds of young people to develop their talents in one of three sectors (arts, leadership and sports), the Games showcase cultural pride, self-confidence and leadership abilities in a friendly competitive setting. The Canadian Francophone Games are an initiative of la Fédération de la jeunesse canadienne-française (FJCF), with the generous participation of the Government of Canada.
Quotes:
“I want to personally thank the organizing committee for the leadership and commitment towards Canada’s French-speaking youth. The Canadian Francophone Games are a great opportunity for them to develop their identity and showcase their abilities in art, leadership, and sport. I look forward to the Games in 2020.” – Adrian Dix, B.C. Minister of Health and minister responsible for the province’s Francophone Affairs Program
“We are very pleased that Oak Bay has been chosen to be an integral participant in the 2020 Canadian Francophone Games. We look forward to greeting and hosting delegates from across this great country of ours.” – Nils Jensen, Mayor of Oak Bay
“We are excited to host youth from across the country at the 2020 Canadian Francophone Games. The Games engage and empower youth through teamwork, leadership and civic pride. Thank you and congratulations to Marie-Pierre and her dedicated team for bringing the Games to our region.” – Lisa Helps, Mayor of Victoria
“We are thrilled with the support and enthusiasm that’s building for the 2020 Canadian Francophone Games. We are excited to celebrate these Games for the first time in British Columbia and provide French-speaking Canadian youth with a truly unique West Coast experience in 2020.” – Marie-Pierre Lavoie, Chair of the Victoria 2020 Canadian Francophone Games Organizing Committee
“The Canadian Francophone Games are a high profile event with a number of impacts for young people, partners and the community. We are really proud to be able to work with the Organizing Committee to make sure the Games meet the expectations of all stakeholders. We strongly encourage people and organizations to partner with the event which will impact and transform everyone involved.” – Justin Johnson, Chair of the French-Canadian Youth Federation
“The Canadian Francophone Games will be a defining step in identity building for British Columbia French-speaking young people. The Games will allow them to showcase their leadership skills. They will serve as a opportunity to strenghten the BC Francophone community’s cultural identity and heritage.” – Yann Lacoste, Chair of the British Columbia Francophone Youth Council
-30-
Contact:
Marie-Pierre Lavoie Chair of the Victoria 2020 Canadian Francophone Games Organizing Committee
250.388.7350 | administration@jeuxfc.ca
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Snapchat: @jeuxFC
