Posted: December 12, 2005

Athletics: James Steacy of Lethbridge, Alta., wins gold for Canada at Francophone Games

NIAMEY, Niger- James Steacy of Lethbridge, Alta., won the gold medal for Canada on Sunday in the men's hammer throw as track and field action got underway at the Francophone Games

Steacy, 21, took the gold with a best throw of 71.90 metres to edge Christophe Epalle of France in second at 71.41 and Cosmin Sorecuion of Romania in third at 67.43.

Canada has a 38-member track and field team at the Games which reunites nations and regions of the world that have French as a common language. Canada has two other teams at the Games. Canada-Quebec and Canada-New Brusnwick. The previous Francophone Games in 2001 were held in Ottawa-Hull.

The track and field competition runs until Friday.