Sheila Copps Congratulates the First Medalists of Team Canada at the IV Games of La Francophonie
OTTAWA, July 18, 2001 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, congratulates the Team Canada medal winners from the first days of competition at the IV Games of La Francophonie.Canada brought home seven medals in Judo. Marie-Hélène Chisholm won a gold medal; Emi Tasaka won a silver medal; and Cynthia Tan, Sophie Roberge, Michelle Buckingham, Amy Cotton and Stéphane Chrétien all won bronze.
"These champions were aiming for a medal before the Games began, and I am proud of their success. The exceptional performances of these athletes will inspire young Canadian judokas who are dreaming of following in their footsteps and participating in major international sport events. Their success is sure to set the tone for the rest of Team Canada," said Minister Copps.
The judo competitions featured a number of high-level matches. Athletes from more than 30 countries and governments of La Francophonie competed in Ottawa and Hull from July 15 to 17, inclusively. Ms. Tasaka from Richmond, British-Columbia; Ms. Buckingham and Ms. Tan from Montréal, Québec, Ms. Roberge from Beauport, Québec, Ms. Chisholm and Ms. Cotton from Varennes, Québec, and Mr. Chrétien from Lasalle, Québec, proved that they have mastered their art brilliantly.
The IV Games of La Francophonie continue until Tuesday, July 24 in the Ottawa and Hull region where more than 3000 artists and athletes from more than 50 countries and governments of La Francophonie are gathered. These artists and athletes are competing in eight cultural competitions and eight sport competitions.
Further information on the results of Team Canada and of the Games of La Francophonie are available at the following Internet address:
http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/francophonie2001
Information:
Catherine Gagnaire
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
Corinne Guénette
Communications Coordinator
Team Canada at the IV Games of La Francophonie
Canadian Heritage
(819) 956-3700
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