The Montreal Port Authority participating in the Samajam Student Retention Project

MONTREAL, June 1, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - For the second year, the Montreal Port Authority is joining forces as "Major Partner - Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve District" in the Samajam Student Retention Project - At my school, we keep the beat! - which aims to keep young people in school by creating a sense of belonging and pride in their school.

On Friday, June 1, at 1:30 pm, the second edition of the big show was held. This year, 2,400 elementary school students put on a musical and percussive gala at the Olympic Park's Esplanade Sun Life Financial.

The Port of Montreal is pleased and extremely proud to contribute to this day's success. Last year's success showed it how the participants' enthusiasm and the amazing energy that emanates from this gathering are living proof that great achievements are the result of joining forces. A strong and healthy society is a society that can count on all its members and at the same time, support and take care of them, starting with the children. "It is in this spirit, along with our ongoing willingness to get closer to the Montreal East community, that the Port of Montreal fully assumes its social responsibility and supports the participation of École Hochelaga in the Samajam project," stated Sylvie Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montreal Port Authority.

About the Port of Montreal
Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is a major diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods - containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. A leading container port on the Atlantic, it is served by seven of the ten largest container shipping lines in the world. Strategically located in North America's heartland, it provides first class access to the markets of Quebec, Ontario and the U.S. Northeast and Midwest. The Port of Montreal handled 1,362,975 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) in 2011, representing 12,471,002 tonnes of cargo. The Port also handled 10,760,649 tonnes of liquid bulk products, 3,431,811 tonnes of dry bulk products and 1,741,035 tonnes of grain in 2011. The Port of Montreal owns its own rail network, operated directly on the piers. It is connected to both national railway networks and a highway network. The Port also operates a passenger terminal that welcomed 38,031 passengers and crew members in 2011. All the other terminals are managed by private stevedoring companies. Port activity supports 18,200 jobs and generates $1.5 billion in economic spin-offs per year.

About Samajam: Let's mobilize Quebec!
Samajam's mission is to mobilize and entertain individuals by creating participatory musical experiences. Samajam produces close to 600 shows a year in the areas of education activities, participatory musical event experiences, team building, customized corporate musical entertainment services, conferences on mobilization, and providing courses on drumming. These activities make it possible to finance their tremendous social and humanitarian involvement. For more information, visit www.samajam.com.

For further information:

Michèle Beaubien
Director of Communications
[e-mail]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.port-montreal.com