OTTAWA, Aug. 8, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Chief Scout addressed a colourful crowd of two thousand young people from around the world this morning, for the official opening of the 14th World Scout Moot, on Parliament Hill. As the Chief Scout, the Governor General strongly relates to the Movement. During his speech, he pointed out being a Scout is not only about membership but also defending values such as integrity, professionalism and mutual respect. He insists being a Scout is being an active and involved citizen.
The Rovers Scouts also had the pleasure of receiving blessings from the Great Chief of the Algonquin Tribal Council, Alice Jerome. She wanted to welcome them personally. First Nations are hosting this event and their culture plays an important role in the educational program of the Moot. Even the logo represents a dream catcher.
The international gathering will take place from the 8th to the 18th of August in Awacamenj Mino's park, located 75km North of Ottawa. An electronic pairing system matched the participants into international patrols according to their interests before their arrival. The Rovers will also have an urban experience by visiting the cities of Toronto, Montreal or Quebec. "This is a unique experience. One single patrol could consist in young Scouts from Libya, Portugal, Australia and Cameroun; I know this trip will change our lives forever, "enthuses Simon Boucher, a 24 year old junior engineer who also acts as head of the Canadian Contingent. More than a hundred young adults coming from all provinces make up the Canadian Contingent as members of Association des Scouts du Canada, Scouts Canada and First Nations' communities.
The Global Development Village is another important feature of the 14th World Scout Moot. "Interactive installations will invite the Rovers Scouts to think and exchange on global issues like sustainability and intercultural relations," says Nicolas Gauvin, President of the 14th World Scout Moot. "We want every participant to become an actor for change and progress once they go back home," he adds. A special day on Tuesday, August 13th will also allow Scouts to experiment a parliament simulation at the House of the Senate. "The Moot shows how Scouting is still a response to social, political and economic issues," says Jean-François Champagne, President of the Association des Scouts du Canada. "This is an opportunity for youth to assert its leadership and, as stated in our motto, to create a better world," he concludes.
The Moot is a World Organization Scout Movement's (WOSM) event that is dedicated to Rovers Scouts aged between18 to 26. The term Moot comes from Old English and means a meeting. Just like the Olympics, it takes place every four years in a different country. The last one was held in Kenya while the next will be in Iceland, in 2017.
L'Association des Scouts du Canada
The Association des Scouts du Canada represents 17,000 francophone members of the Scout Movement in Canada. Its mission is to promote and support the full development of French Canadian youth as individuals, as members of their communities and as citizens playing an active role in society.
Image with caption: "His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Chief Scout launches the 14th World Scout Moot on the Parliament Hill. (CNW Group/Association des Scouts du Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130808_C4615_PHOTO_EN_29699.jpg
SOURCE: Association des Scouts du Canada
Marie-Hélène Giguère - Director of communications
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