MTS is the Offical Sponsor of Folklorama!

July 30, 2010

MTS celebrates community and diversity and promotes cultural understanding with Folklorama.

WINNIPEG, MB, July 30, 2010 - MTS, Manitoba's hometown communications provider, today announced it will once again be an Official Sponsor of Folklorama, a two-week celebration of Winnipeg's diverse cultures and communities. As an Official Sponsor, MTS will provide Folklorama staff and volunteers with wireless devices including Blackberrys, cellphones and FleetNets, as well as Internet and voice services during the festival.

"Folklorama is just one way MTS supports culture and diversity in the communities in which it operates," said Kelvin Shepherd, President, MTS. "We support dozens of community festivals across Manitoba and we are proud to, once again, be sponsoring this incredible celebration of the cultures and communities that make up this great province."

Folklorama began in 1970 as a one-time multicultural event celebrating Manitoba's Centennial. Since then, it has grown into the largest and longest-running festival of its kind in the world. In 2009, "tourists" made over 425,000 visits to Folklorama and travelled the world without ever leaving Winnipeg. Folklorama tourists sample ethnic cuisine, view cultural displays and enjoy entertainment while building appreciation of diversity and respect for all people. This year, from August 1 to 14, more than 40 ethnic pavilions will open across Winnipeg.

"Folklorama's tremendous success would not be possible without the ongoing dedication and support of our sponsors, suppliers, volunteers, performers and ethno-cultural communities," said Ron Gauthier, Executive Director, Folklorama. "We thank MTS for helping us celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding in Manitoba and beyond."