Plast Jamboree begins July 29 (06/21/98)

Plast Jamboree begins July 29

WINNIPEG - The Plast Ukrainian Youth Organization of Canada is marking its golden jubilee this year by hosting International Plast Jamboree '98 in Manitoba from July 29 to August 9. Approximately 600 Plast youth members between the ages of 11 and 18 from around the world have registered to participate.

Plast is a Ukrainian scouting organization founded in 1911 in Lviv; it began its activities in Winnipeg in 1948. It is dedicated to the development of the physical, intellectual and moral strength of youth of Ukrainian descent. The mission of the organization is to promote national awareness and respect for ancestral traditions.

Participants in International Plast Jamboree '98 will spend five days camping in one of seven different Manitoba provincial and federal park locations.

There will be two hiking, two biking and three canoeing camps. Approximately half of the participants will attend Canada's National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba.

All the participants will come together at Bird's Hill Park for four days of varied activities. One day will feature visits to Winnipeg tourist attractions.

The official opening ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, August 5, at 7 p.m. at Bird's Hill Park. Dignitaries from federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as representatives from various national and local organizations will also take part.

Detailed information on the jamboree can be obtained on the Internet at http://www.plast.mb.ca; via e-mail, plast@plast.mb.ca; or by writing to: Plast International Jamboree '98, 623 Flora Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R2W 2S4 Canada.