Release date:
Thursday, January 25, 2001
Ottawa - The Honourable Don Boudria, Minister of State and Leader of the government in the House of Commons and Chair of the Steering Committee of the IV Games of La Francophonie 2001, and Paul Benoit, President and CEO of Ottawa Airport, today unveiled the first promotional initiative of a partnership between the Games of La Francophonie and Ottawa Airport.
"I am very pleased with the enthusiasm shown by the Executive of the Ottawa Airport concerning the Games of La Francophonie to be held in Ottawa-Hull from July 14 to July 24, 2001." said Minister Boudria."This partnership is particularly important as thousands of visitors from about 50 countries will land at the Ottawa Airport on their way to attend this grandiose event in our region." added the Minister.
Ottawa Airport President and CEO, Paul Benoit, said: "Ottawa Airport is proud to support the 2001 Games, an event that will have tremendous impact on Ottawa-Hull this summer. The Airport will assist the Games via the promotional agreement we are launching today and many other visibility elements over the next few months. We will also help coordinate thousands of participants' and dignitaries' arrivals and departures."
Mr. Guy Matte, Games of La Francophonie Co-chair, said: "This collaboration between the IV Games of La Francophonie Organizing Committee and the Macdonald-Cartier Ottawa International Airport is very important because most dignitaries will be arriving in Ottawa through this airport. The best way for us to greet our distinguished guests will be with information surrounding the Games. Today's unveiling is but the beginning of an important campaign to promote the Games and will surely raise awareness among travelers using the Ottawa International Airport."
The bilingual plexiglas kiosk unveiled this morning is located on the busiest luggage carrousel at Ottawa Airport. It outlines the Games format, disciplines and dates. Over 2.5 million travellers and greeters will see the exhibit during the next 170 days.
Almost 3,000 athletes and artists from approximately 50 countries and governments will participate in the 2001 Games of La Francophonie through sports competition and cultural contests. The Games will take place on both sides of the Ottawa River, from July 14 to 24, 2001. Our Region is expecting close to 60 000 visitors.
"I am very pleased with the enthusiasm shown by the Executive of the Ottawa Airport concerning the Games of La Francophonie to be held in Ottawa-Hull from July 14 to July 24, 2001." said Minister Boudria."This partnership is particularly important as thousands of visitors from about 50 countries will land at the Ottawa Airport on their way to attend this grandiose event in our region." added the Minister.
Ottawa Airport President and CEO, Paul Benoit, said: "Ottawa Airport is proud to support the 2001 Games, an event that will have tremendous impact on Ottawa-Hull this summer. The Airport will assist the Games via the promotional agreement we are launching today and many other visibility elements over the next few months. We will also help coordinate thousands of participants' and dignitaries' arrivals and departures."
Mr. Guy Matte, Games of La Francophonie Co-chair, said: "This collaboration between the IV Games of La Francophonie Organizing Committee and the Macdonald-Cartier Ottawa International Airport is very important because most dignitaries will be arriving in Ottawa through this airport. The best way for us to greet our distinguished guests will be with information surrounding the Games. Today's unveiling is but the beginning of an important campaign to promote the Games and will surely raise awareness among travelers using the Ottawa International Airport."
The bilingual plexiglas kiosk unveiled this morning is located on the busiest luggage carrousel at Ottawa Airport. It outlines the Games format, disciplines and dates. Over 2.5 million travellers and greeters will see the exhibit during the next 170 days.
Almost 3,000 athletes and artists from approximately 50 countries and governments will participate in the 2001 Games of La Francophonie through sports competition and cultural contests. The Games will take place on both sides of the Ottawa River, from July 14 to 24, 2001. Our Region is expecting close to 60 000 visitors.
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For information:
Laurent Benoit
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Ottawa Airport
(613) 248-2050
Dominique Lemieux
Attachée de presse
Cabinet du ministre Boudria
(613) 996-9429
Serge Amyot
Media Relations Director
IVes Jeux de la Francophonie
(613) 523-5389, ext. 633