About the games
The Canadian Francophone Games are among the largest gatherings of Canada’s French speaking youth. In addition to encouraging hundreds of young people to exercise their talents in one of three sectors (arts, leadership and sports), the Games showcase cultural pride, self-confidence and leadership abilities in a friendly competitive setting. Since the first Games in 1999, no less than 20,000 people have been involved. Included: extraordinary encounters, an exciting francophone experience and a schedule rich in festivities.
The Canadian Francophone Games are a French Canadian Youth Federation initiative, supported financially by Heritage Canada.
The French Canadian Youth Federation relies on the partnership with an Organizing Committee (host city) to put in place the logistics and program for the event. The Games are held during the summer months every three years. A contingent of 1,200 participants and more than 750 volunteers, are expected for every Games.
The logo
The logo uses vibrant and youthful colours. These colours can also be found on the provincial and territorial flags of Canada. The font selected is contemporary, young looking and easy to read. A maple leaf can be found within the flame, reminding us of the national quality of the Games. The torch is a symbol of excellence and eternity and expresses the vitality and the warmth of francophone communities across Canada. Its fluid curves, dynamism and movement make the torch look both modern and artistic, just as the francophone youth of Canada.
History of the Games
In the 1990’s, following the Vision d’avenir report is released. The importance of practicing artistic, leadership and sport activities in French, as a means of promoting the development and preservation of the French Canadian culture, is underlined. The French Canadian Youth Federation responded with the Canadian Francophone Games concept.
In 1994, the first hurdle is cleared as many governmental partners, one of which being Heritage Canada, show interest in sport and leisure activities targeted to francophone youth in Canada. The FCYF continues to lobby for support and works at planning the Games.
In 1999, the announcement of the Canadian Francophonie Year becomes the final catalyst to launch the Games.
Vision / Mission / Guiding principals
The Canadian Francophone Games directly contribute to reaching the French Canadian Youth Federation’s goals and mission, as well as showcasing youth associations’ provincial and territorial initiatives. They contribute to strengthening participants’ sense of belonging to their province or territory of origin, as well as to the larger Canadian francophone community. The Games provide opportunities for training and recruitment.
Vision
- Celebration of French speaking youth in Canada
- Aha! Moment for francophone youth to develop their identity, individually and as a group
- Excellent opportunity for development, chance to go beyond ones expectations
- An event not to be missed which every community aspires to host
Mission
Promote new friendships and strengthening of old ties, increase awareness about the differences and similarities across the country
- Contribute to building or strengthening Canada’s youth cultural identity
- Enable knowledge and expertise to be acquired and put into practice, which will further the growth of people, communities and participating partners
- Offer a cultural experience in the host community
- Present a unique program that highlights arts, leadership and sports
- Foster collaboration
Values
- Pride, commitment
- Cooperation, inclusion, solidarity
- Respect, equality and equity
Guiding principles – As a continuous process:
- BY and FOR youth
- In French
- Gathering where interactions between teams are as important as a friendly competition
- Sustainable event that encourages and contributes to the environment
- Promotion of youth and volunteers’ talents, preoccupations and interests
- Excellence in execution of the event
