Sudburian Zach Ouellette didn't come home empty-handed after participating in the Canadian Francophone Games in Moncton, New Brunswick July 11-15.
The 17-year-old took part in the games' music competition as part of team Ontario, which clinched the gold in the competition.
Held every three years, the games are a gathering of French-speaking Canadian youth where they exercise their talents in one of three sectors — art, leadership and sport. Greater Sudbury hosted the event in 2011.
Ouellette just graduated from École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier, and will be entering Collège Boréal's police foundations program in the fall.
It was thanks to his high school band, Groupe 17, that he got to go the games.
In February, Groupe 17 participated in a provincial music showcase for Francophone high school music students called Quand ça nous chante.
Ouellette, the band's bass player, was chosen to take part in an all-star band of kids from Ontario going to the Francophone games.
He said he was initially nervous about the opportunity. The Ontario team was only able to practice together three times before the competition.
“But then I just had fun with it, and I smiled the whole show,” he said.
“It was a great time. We won gold — best province for music. I still can't believe it. For something that big to happen is just fantastic. I couldn't think of a better group to do it with.”
Although Ouellette is not considering a music career, he said he'll probably always play music for fun on the side. He said he hopes his participation in the Francophone games will open more doors for him musically.
