BURNABY, January 13, 2009 - The Poster Challenge allows young Canadians aged 5 to 18 to present their vision of Canada through visual art. With the approach of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, this is an ideal time for them to show their enthusiasm and interpret this year's theme, "With Glowing Hearts."
The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today launched the 2009 Poster Challenge and announced a special grand prize for this edition. The launch took place at the Aubrey Elementary School in Burnaby, British Columbia, where Minister Moore also challenged students to a quiz.
"The theme of the 2009 Poster Challenge, 'With Glowing Hearts,' provides a perfect opportunity for young Canadians to get in the spirit of Canada's Games and visually describe the country that we are so proud to call our own," said Minister Moore. "This is an extraordinary chance for them to demonstrate creativity and pay tribute to our cultural diversity, our symbols, our achievements, and the people who have shaped our history."
"The Government of Canada is a proud and committed partner of the 2010 Winter Games, and this year's Poster Challenge provides a way for any Canadian boy or girl to be a part of Canada's Winter Olympics, " said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport, including the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. "Now contestants and their families, from anywhere in the country, have a chance to cheer on our athletes and attend the Olympic opening ceremonies and several sport events."
The national winner of the Poster Challenge will receive a package tour to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. In addition, the national winner's design will be showcased as the official poster for 2009 Celebrate Canada activities throughout the country. The national winner and 12 provincial and territorial finalists will also win a surprise-filled trip to Canada's Capital, where they will take part in the Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill. The deadline for submitting a poster is February 28, 2009.
The Canada Day Poster Challenge, established in 1987, is one of the most popular programs of the Department of Canadian Heritage. In 2008, close to 13 000 students took part in the Poster Challenge.
We wish to thank this year's official partners: the Bay, the Historica Foundation, the Trans Canada Trail and the Canadian Children's Museum. These partners will offer prizes to the winners.
For more information, please visit
www.posterchallenge.pch.gc.ca.
