WEB PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Minister responsible for Information Technology Andrew Thomson, announced today that Don Doucette of Regina is the grand prizewinner in the Saskatchewan Centennial Web Photo Competition. Doucette's photograph of a sunflower field near Vanscoy was chosen as the top entry from more than 1,700 photos submitted by residents living in more than a hundred communities from around the province.

The second prizewinner in the competition is Cheryl Pady of Edenwold, with third prize going to Susan Wilkins of Warman. Winners of the seven honourable mention prizes are Brian Suetta of Ile a la Crosse, Darren Oursen of Saskatoon, Jim Catton of Loon Lake, Brad Harrison of Pierceland, Diana Dolack of Biggar, Kali Moule of McTaggart and Todd Johnson of Bushell Park.

"The number of entries is a clear indication of the enthusiasm Saskatchewan residents had for this event," Thomson said. "And the quality of entries was just as tremendous. I want to congratulate our top 10 winners and thank everyone who participated for helping to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Saskatchewan and its people."

Sponsored by the Information Technology Office and Microsoft Canada, the grand prizewinner receives a media personal computer package, second place a photo-quality printer, third place a digital camera and seven honourable mentions each receive a Microsoft photo software package. All winning entries also receive official Saskatchewan Centennial merchandise and will be placed on temporary display at the Saskatchewan legislative building.

"Supporting people and our communities is extremely important to Microsoft, which is why we're pleased to be able to participate in one of the many excellent events held to celebrate Saskatchewan's one-hundredth birthday," Microsoft spokesperson Brian Law said. "I congratulate not only the winners, but everyone who took the time to enter."

In addition to the top 10 entries, all acceptable photos will become part of the Saskatchewan Government central Web portal. Over the next few months they will be included in the online Saskatchewan Photo Album and the picture rotation on the main page of the site where possible, with full accreditation to the photographer.

The top 10 winning entries are available for viewing on the government central Web portal at http://www.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Art Newton Information Technology Regina Phone: (306) 787-2215