Investment Supports Acadian Games Coming to Nova Scotia

Competitors at the 2012 Jeux de l'Acadie in Nova Scotia, and residents from the Municipality of Argyle, will benefit from a government investment in a new track and field facility in Tusket.

The Department of Health and Wellness is contributing $120,000 from the Recreation Facility Development Program to support construction of the new $450,000 facility at École secondaire de Par-en-Bas. The track and field centre will be the centerpiece for the games.

"Bringing the games to Nova Scotia is a major achievement for the Acadian community," said Minister of Acadian Affairs Graham Steele. "The provincial government is proud to support a facility that will be part of a major celebration of Acadian culture, and that will also provide a lasting legacy for families in the region."

The 33rd Jeux de l'Acadie will bring together 1,200 Acadian and Francophone athletes from across Atlantic Canada in the Municipality of Argyle from June 29 to July 3, 2012 to compete in eight sports. The athletes range in age from 11 to 16 on nine teams from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Venues around the municipality will host events and 800 volunteers will support the athletes during the five days of competition. The new facility will host track events during the games and support community athletics as a legacy of the competition.

The Jeux de l'Acadie were created in 1979 to promote athletic achievement and cultural awareness among Acadian and Francophone youth from Atlantic Canada. In 2012, Nova Scotia's team will include 177 athletes and 33 coaches who participate in athletics through the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial.

In addition to athletic events, the games feature a significant cultural component that celebrates the distinctness of Acadian and Francophone culture in Atlantic Canada.

More information about the Jeux de l’Acadie can be found at www.jeuxdelacadie.org.