News Release

NICE, France (GNB) – Marc Fortner of Fredericton took the bronze medal this evening during the final competitions for Team Canada – New Brunswick at the VIIth Jeux de la Francophonie in Nice, France.

Fortner’s medal brought to six the number of matches won by the Team Canada – New Brunswick, equalling its best performance, achieved during the IIIrd Games in Madagascar in 1997.

“I am very happy with our medal count team, and, especially our participation at les Jeux de la Francophonie in Nice,” said Jean-Luc Benoit, chef-de-mission of Team Canada – New Brunswick. “Our team won medals in three sports – judo, wrestling and athletics. Our artists did not win a medal, but they leave with their heads high.”

Competitions will conclude Sept. 14, with closing ceremonies on Sept. 15. Team Canada – New Brunswick has finished its competitions and will return in the province on the evening of Sept. 16.

Judo

Fortner won the bronze in judo (-100 kilograms) by ippon against Warren Tsoungui of Gabon. He had lost his first match against Amdy Raby Fall of Senegal.

Martine Chenhall of Saint John lost in the bronze medal match (-78 kilograms) by ippon against Christelle Garry of France. Chenhall won her first match by default and lost her second by ippon against Sara Mzougui of Tunisia.

Miguel Raymond of Kedgwick lost by ippon (-90 kilograms) against gold medalist Anthony Laignes of France. He sustained a neck injury and opted to withdraw.

''I feels great to have won this medal,” said Fortner. “At one point, I did not think I would win anything. The difference in the final was that I worked hard and I got it by ippon. These were my first major international games, and really I enjoyed it. I hope to compete again in international games such as these.”

The judo coach, Fred Blaney, was excited about the performance of the province’s athletes.

''They all worked hard and gave the best of themselves,'' he said.

This was the first major international competition for Chenhall.

''I am excited, and I have learned from my matches about different techniques,” she said. “The calibre here, with the Olympians, was great. ''

''The guy from France had better hands than me,” said Raymond. “He got me on the mat, but I am satisfied with my performance. I sensed a pain in my neck when he threw me, and I did not continue for fear of aggravating my injury. ''

Track and field

Grace Annear of Hampton finished sixth in her race in the 800 metres and did not qualify for the final.

''I did the best I could, and I am excited to have run with Olympian athletes,” she said. “It was an honour to represent my province. ''

Elizabeth MacDonald of Oromocto took 12th in the hammer throw, with a distance of 51.19 metres.

“I met a number of athlete throwers and some Olympians,” she said. “Being here with international-calibre athletes was phenomenal.''

Painting and photography

Photographer Jaret Belliveau of Memramcook and painter Sarah Jones of Saint John did not win a medal, but they still enjoyed and appreciated the cultural competitions.

"I enjoyed the experience,” said Belliveau. “I had the opportunity to meet other artists and experience new techniques. There was a large difference between the various techniques used by the photographers, and it was interesting. ''

''I enjoyed the experience,” said Jones. “It was a challenge for me to create outside my studio. The stay was inspiring while exchanging ideas about technical issues with others. It was a broader cultural exchange. The experience will change some ways how I work. I will be bolder with my strokes and colours and be fearless.”