OTTAWA – From July 28 to August 6, 2023, the international Francophonie will gather in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the 9th Games of La Francophonie. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez, announced the people who will be part of Team Canada, which will take part in this major sporting and cultural event, the largest of its kind in the Francophonie. At the Games, young artists and athletes aged 18 to 35 from across the country will showcase the richness of Canada’s Francophone culture and this country’s sporting excellence in seven disciplines.
Cultural component
Team Canada’s cultural lineup includes Mia Kelly in song, Guyaume Boulianne in storytelling, and Caroline Douville in painting. The AMS dance company will represent Canada in original dance. It is made up of choreographer Andy Michel Shadari and dancers Wylcharles Pierre, Mycah-Christina Alphonse, Marie-Neika Obas, Hilary Hilaire and Bradley Auminio. The Break City All-Stars will bring the house down with their hip hop dancing. Choreographer David Michel and dancers Alain Abboud, Andrew EA, Sean Wathen, and Zaxhary van Gils will proudly represent Canada in this discipline.
Sport component
In judo, Canada will be represented by John Junior Messé A Bessong, David Popovici, Justin Lemire, Alexandre Arencibia, and Julien Frascadore on the men’s team. The members of the women’s team are Charlize Isabelle Medilo, Evelyn Beaton, Laurence Biron, Isabelle Harris, and Coralie Godbout. Finally, in wrestling, the delegation will be made up of Aidan Stevenson, Nyla Burgess, Vianne Rouleau, Aleah Nickel, and Katie Mulkay. For more information about Team Canada’s participation in the Games, visit the Games of La Francophonie website.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support the young athletes and artists who will be taking part in the Games of La Francophonie. Team Canada will uphold Canada’s reputation on the international artistic, cultural, and sport scene. Canada is proud to be a member of La Francophonie and to celebrate our nation’s cultural diversity and Francophone heritage. Good luck to all the members of Team Canada. Enjoy the Games!” —Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“As a founding country and active and committed member of La Francophonie, Canada is proud to send a delegation to the Games of La Francophonie in Kinshasa. I wish the best of luck to Team Canada and thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for their considerable efforts in organizing and hosting this event.” —Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs