Six winners selected in the RCMP “Name the Foal” contest

OTTAWA, September 23, 2009 - Introducing Gyro, Gusto, Gidget, Gus, Gizmo, and Gianna, the six RCMP foals who now have names thanks to the creativity of young Canadians and one youth from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, USA.

Each spring, the annual RCMP “Name the Foal” contest asks young people from Canada and around the world to find original names for six of the foals born at the RCMP Breeding Farm in Pakenham, Ontario. These foals may one day be part of the world-famous Musical Ride. This year the names had to start with the letter “G”.

Thousands of entries were received during the course of the two-month contest. Many thanks to everyone who submitted an entry. The following winning names, drawn by instructors of the RCMP Musical Ride Branch, were submitted by:

• Nicole Hartlin, Emo, Ontario - Gyro
• Shamus McInnis, York, Prince Edward Island - Gusto
• Danielle Runzer, Red Deer, Alberta - Gidget
• Mrs. Oppenheim Class, Coldwater School, Merritt, British Columbia - Gus
• Ms. Stewart’s class from Mother Teresa High School, Nepean, Ontario - Gizmo
• Madalyn Hansen, Cottage Grove, Minnesota (USA) - Gianna

All the winners will receive an authentic RCMP Stetson, a colour photo of the foal they named, a certificate signed by the Commissioner of the RCMP as well as various other prizes.

For more information on the RCMP’s “Name the Foal” contest, please contact Sergeant Marc Godue of the Musical Ride Branch at (613) 998-0866.

For media enquiries, please contact Royal Canadian Mounted Police Media Relations at (613) 993-2999.

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