Community Groups Invited to Take the Stage

Calling all communities -- this is your chance to put your group, youth organization or school on centre stage.

The Halifax 2011 Canada Games Host Society opened a call for submissions today, Nov. 8, encouraging community groups to present cultural programming for the Celebration Square stage every weekday lunch-hour during the Games.

"Our vision for the Games hinges on touching as many communities as possible through programs like this one," said Mervyn Broome, community relations chair. "We really hope that groups and organizations that value youth and culture as much as we do will take advantage of this opportunity."

The program, called Celebration Square at Noon, will feature presentations lasting 20 minutes to an hour that showcase youth and the cultural diversity of Nova Scotia through a range of artistic disciplines.

The Host Society is looking for entertaining performances featuring music, dance, theatre or other arts and culture disciplines that appeal to youth audiences.

Submissions must be received by Friday, Nov. 26, and will be evaluated by a panel of Games staff, volunteers and stakeholders. Preference will be given to organizations that support youth and cultural diversity. Up to 27 groups could be selected, depending on performance lengths.

For more information on Celebration Square at Noon and to access the application form visit www.canadagames2011.ca/artists .

Celebration Square, located in Grand Parade, will also offer free entertainment to the public every night during the Games.

The 2011 Canada Winter Games will be the largest multi-sport event held in Nova Scotia and Halifax's first Canada Winter Games. From Feb. 11 to 27, more than 2,700 athletes will compete in more than 20 sports, attracting thousands of visitors, VIPs, officials and media.