Grupo Salinas Invites Youths to Reflect on Freedom

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

SOURCE Grupo Salinas; TV Azteca