Schools in Sylvan Lake set to host Alberta Francophone Games
Over 300 students from across the province will descend on École Fox Run and H. J. Cody, as the schools host the Alberta Francophone Games from May 14-16.
This will be the 17th edition of the Games, which were formed to allow athletes to compete in a completely French environment. Traditionally the Games involved students solely from French schools, but the efforts of Chinook’s Edge teacher Pierre Cloutier opened the event to French Immersion students for the first time last year.
“We started last year to arrange for hosting this year’s event, and I am very excited it will be here at Sylvan Lake,” said Cloutier, French Immersion teacher at both Fox Run and H. J. Cody schools. “This will give a chance for kids outside the cities to gather, compete and spend time together entirely in French. Our French Immersion students are so happy to be part of this, because they didn’t have the opportunity before last year. Our French Immersion classes are thriving, with full classes and committed students. Participating in the Francophone Games adds even further meaning to the programming for these students.”
Cloutier took 30 students from Sylvan Lake to the Alberta Francophone Games in Edmonton last year and expects an even higher number will participate in their home community this year. Following his enthusiastic response, and given his determination to open the Games to French Immersion students, the Alberta Francophone Sports Federation invited Cloutier to be President of this year’s organizing committee.
“We are so appreciative of his efforts and of the support of these schools,” said Annie Falardeau, Executive Director of Alberta Francophone Sports Federation. “They are providing an important opportunity to showcase their amazing student talent, as well as opening this to young people throughout Alberta. The priority for us is to promote the opportunity for students to engage in a structured weekend event entirely in French. It’s not all about winning, it’s about the overall experience of a completely French environment.”
The Games involve Junior High and High School students aged 12 to 18 years, who are expected to compete in three disciplines: badminton, soccer and basketball. A national competition is held every three years, and next year the national event takes place in Sudbury, Ontario. The Games in Sylvan Lake will allow organizers to see which athletes to encourage on to the national competition.
“I went to the provincial competition last year and it was such an interesting experience to meet a whole bunch of kids who speak French,” said Emily Fonda, a grade 7 French Immersion student at Fox Run School. “It makes a big difference to totally surround yourself with French for an entire weekend. Speaking another language with a lot of other people makes it feel so important. I’ve been in French Immersion since kindergarten and I find it rewarding and challenging. My mom always wanted to be bilingual, so she made sure she gave me this opportunity.”
Registration information, as well as information on volunteer opportunities, is available from Pierre Cloutier through Fox Run School.