MARKHAM, ON, May 27 /CNW/ - Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) is pleased to announce the 2008 winners of the CanTech Digital Arts Contest. The Digital Arts Contest is made possible through the generous support of Microsoft's Unlimited Potential Community Programs in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. The 2008 winners were announced on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada National Conference 2008 in Hamilton, Ontario.
The CanTech Digital Arts Contest is a national competition that offers young people from Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada the opportunity to apply their creative talents using digital technology in the areas of web design, video, music, graphic design and digital photography. Prizes were awarded in both 12 and under and 13-18 age groups in three categories: digital photography, web design, and an open category (graphic design, music or digital movie-making).
Enabling Canadian children and youth to achieve their potential through technology can enhance their academic, career and life opportunities. Studies have shown that optimal learning occurs when youth have access to computers, improving integral skills such as literacy, creative and analytical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, organizational and problem solving.
"Creative expression plays an important role in a child's development. The CanTech Digital Arts Contest is a wonderful opportunity for young people to explore and experiment with emerging technologies, improve their self confidence and develop skills that can enrich their future possibilities," said Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "We thank Microsoft for their continued support, and for giving children and youth across Canada a forum for creative self-expression and the chance to showcase their creative abilities."
Entries to the CanTech Digital Arts Contest were created based on the theme Love, Strength, Respect and Fear, an expression of what transpires in life when presented with opportunities and situations that will shape the individuals we hope to become.
"It's a pleasure to support the Digital Arts Contest and provide young Canadians with the tools to access new technologies that are part of today's rapidly advancing digital world and workplace," said Gavin Thompson, Community Affairs, Microsoft Canada. "It's an incredibly rewarding experience to play a part in helping young people to discover and develop their unique creative talents through the use of technology."
Prize winners were chosen for demonstrating innovative, creative use of technology, original content and new creative and technology skills gained through the project. Winning entries can be viewed on the BGCC website at www.bgccan.com.
This year's winners will each receive a prize pack valued at $500 that includes a digital camera and case (with 2GB memory card), a Nintendo DS Lite hand-held gaming system, a $50 gift card from Future Shop, earphones, a CanTech USB key, and a Digital Arts Contest t-shirt. The Boys and Girls Club where the winning individuals are members will also receive a brand new, fully loaded, multi-media computer system valued at $2,000.
About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading, national provider of programs to children and youth that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of close to 200,000 young people and their families each year. In 700 community locations across Canada, clubs offer after-school programs in physical recreation, technology, the arts, literacy, personal growth and more. Many clubs also provide meals, emergency shelter, family support programs and other support to children, youth and families at risk. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential for over 100 years. To learn more, visit www.bgccan.com.
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT"), the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto and eight regional offices across the country. The company supports local communities across Canada by creating innovative technology and partnerships that help people realize their full potential.
2008 CanTech Digital Arts Contest Winners
Age 12 and under/Category Photo
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1st - Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes (Fear): Gavin Gange, Mitchel Goulet
2nd - Boys and Girls Club of Peel (Respect): Danielle Younge, Cassadie Andrews, Kenadie Andrews, Danika Maran
3rd - Boys and Girls Club of Peel (Love): Makayla Weyermars, Tia Munsia, Aliqua Morris
Age 13+/Category Photo
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1st - East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club (Strength): Nick Atkins
Age 12 and under/Category Web
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1st - Hamilton East Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club (Fear): Matthew Martin, Kimberly Martin
Age 12 and under/Category Movie
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1st - Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes (Robot to the Moon): Carman Tripp, Spencer Burgess, David Pearley, Logan Watson
2nd - Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes (Taylor and the Chairs): Taylor Goulet
3rd - Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes (Zombie Mayhem): Jesse Savary, Taran Pabla
Age 12 and under/Category Other
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1st - Gander Boys and Girls Club (Hanging Out): Nathan Barnes, Amanda Flynn, Brendan Suley, Cassandra Hussey
2nd - Boys and Girls Club of Brooks and District (Love): Alexis LeVasseur, Maddyson Carnelson
3rd - Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club (Fear): Jason Dos Santos, Richard Dos Santos, Cristian Rosario, Dylan Correira
Age 13 +/Category Other
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1st - St. Alban's Boys and Girls Club (St. Alban's): Alexander Thomas, Jennifer Alvarado
2nd - Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes (TV Mania): Nic Campbell, Ryan Goulet, Ben Griffiths
3rd - Dawson Boys and Girls Club (Fear): Kelsey Sinclair, Samantha Villeneuve, David Monk
For further information: Media Contact: Christine Amendola, National Communications Specialist, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, (905) 477-7272 (ext. 237), camendola@bgccan.com
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