Grupo Salinas Invites Youths to Reflect on Freedom

Grupo Salinas Invites Youths to Reflect on Freedom

Launches 'Caminos de la Libertad para Chavos' Competition to Express Freedom in Multiple Media Art Forms

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Salinas, a group of dynamic, fast growing and technologically advanced companies deeply committed to the modernization of the countries in which they operate, created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas Pliego (www.ricardosalinas.com), presented this week a youth-oriented call for expressions of freedom through its "Caminos de la Libertad para Chavos" competition to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Participants between the ages of 15 and 25 are invited to submit entries in music, photography, fine arts, video and writing on the subject of the meaning of freedom and the walls that must be removed to obtain it.

The invitation was presented by Sergio Sarmiento, President of "Caminos de la Libertad," along with "Caminos de la Libertad para Chavos" spokesperson, the actress Marimar Vega.

Ricardo Salinas has encouraged and supported reflection and discussion of freedom for the past four years through the "Caminos de la Libertad" (Paths to Freedom) essay contest, which awards up to US$15,000 for the winning entry and publishes volumes of selected essays that are promoted with forums on the topic of freedom.

Interest in the "Caminos de la Libertad" competitions and forums continues to grow both in Mexico and the rest of the world, especially in academic and cultural circles. The competition has received entries from Mexico, The United Sates, Canada, Cuba, Spain, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Panama and the Serbian Republic.

"Caminos de la Libertad para Chavos" is a response to the growing interest of youth expression on the topic of freedom

"The concept and the reflection on freedom should not be limited to written expression with philosophic essays. We need to seek other media to build on this reflection and what better than youthful art to express this," said Sergio Sarmiento.

Marimar Vega added, "This is an ideal place to show off our talent; what we are capable of doing. As youth, we are always struggling to be free and rebellious to a certain degree. I think it's great to do this through art and promote our work."

"Caminos de la Libertad para Chavos" invites youth aged 15 through 25 to submit entries from throughout the Spanish-speaking world to express the personal meaning of freedom and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall by expressing what walls must be torn down to achieve freedom.

The competition is open to Spanish speakers aged 15-25 with entries in the media of music, photography, fine arts, video and writing. Entries will be accepted through September 30, 2009, with the winners announced on November 5, 2009. For details, visit www.caminosdelalibertad.com.

Grupo Salinas holds freedom as one of the most important values of humanity. In a world of increasing authoritarianism, there is nothing more valuable than inviting all Spanish speakers to reflect on the concept of freedom, specifically through "Caminos de la Libertad para Chavos."

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to building the middle class of the countries where it operates, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies TV Azteca (www.irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

   For more information, visit www.gruposalinas.com    International Press Contact:   Daniel McCosh   52 55 1720 0059   dmccosh@gruposalinas.com  

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Source: Grupo Salinas; TV Azteca

CONTACT: Daniel McCosh, +011-52-55-1720-0059, dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

Web site: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment