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PM and entire country stand behind Canadian Olympic Team as the 2012 Summer Olympic Games begin
"On behalf of our Government and all Canadians watching back home, I wish you the best of luck at this year’s Olympics in London,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The entire country stands behind you proudly as you compete against the world’s best. Your courage, determination and hard work have gotten you to this point, and your commitment and dedication will help carry you through the next two weeks.”
Canada's Olympic athletes will be led in the Olympic Stadium by Canadian flag-bearer and celebrated triathlete Simon Whitfield.
“Laureen and I will be joining citizens from coast to coast to coast in cheering on our Olympians and watching for the Canadian flag to appear above the podium,” added the Prime Minister.
The 2012 Olympic Summer Games are being held from July 27 to August 12 and bring together world calibre athletes in a common pursuit of sport excellence. Canada will be represented by more than 275 athletes who will compete in a 26-sport program scheduled around London, United Kingdom. More than 10,500 athletes, coaches and team officials from over 200 countries are participating in these Games.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of sport and physical activity for all Canadians and is committed to keeping Canada a leading sport country. Overall funding to summer Olympic and Paralympic sport organizations and athletes in the three year period leading up to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games is at an all-time high of $221 million.
