"Winning a medal in any competition is an exhilarating experience, and these medals are a true tribute to every athlete's hard work and determination. I wish all of the athletes at these Championships the best of luck and look forward to seeing them awarded these beautiful works of art," said Chantal Petitclerc.

Mr. Gagnier was accompanied by Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay, René Guimond, Executive Vice President and COO of MONTRÉAL 2005, and Chantal Petitclerc, one of the world's premier wheelchair track athletes and Canada's most decorated Paralympians.

The medals were designed by Jean-Philippe Caron and combine aluminum and glass in a design that reflects the significance of water as a planetary resource - a key element in forging aluminum, one of the world's only infinitely recyclable materials. In total, Alcan supplied aluminum for 750 individual medals and 6 team competition trophies.

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs almost 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.

Additional materials, such as high-resolution photos of the event and medals, are available upon request from the contact below.