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PM delivers remarks recognizing Olympic and Paralympic athletes on Parliament Hill
Good afternoon, everyone.
I want to thank Senator LeBreton and Minister Lebel for acting as our emcees today.
I also want to give greetings to all of my colleagues who are here, obviously to Minister Gosal.
Thank you, Bal, for the kind introduction, to my colleague Jay Aspen, to everybody else who's with us today.
I would like to also acknowledge, we should all acknowledge as well the presence of the president of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Marcel Aubut, who joins us as well.
Good to have you here, Marcel.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, coaches and supporters, and most importantly, our Olympians and Paralympians.
Welcome to Parliament Hill. I'm very pleased to see you all here today.
Only a short time ago the London 2012 Olympic Games began. It was followed very soon after by the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
And so, for a total of 31 days, Canadians have been captivated by your exceptional performances.
For 31 days, the country watched as you gave your all, and just when it appeared you could give no more, you fought harder, you dug deeper, and you found more within yourselves to give.
Because you're Canadian, and that's what we do.
Athletes, throughout the Games, you consistently represented the best of what it means to be Canadian.
You were committed, you were resilient, and you were victorious, earning Canada 18 medals at the Olympic Games and 31 medals at the Paralympic Games.
During these Games, there were some outstanding performances. Let me recall just a few.
Trampolinist Rosie McLennan from King City, Ontario, said she wanted to win badly enough to do what it takes.
Rosie, your near flawless performance to take the gold demonstrated that.
Well done, congratulations.
Give Rosie a hand, everyone.
21-year-old judoka athlete Tony Vallois-Fortier of Montreal went through six gruelling matches in a single day.
What an impressive bronze-medal-winning performance of strength and endurance.
Congratulations, Tony.
Everybody give Tony a big hand.
Our women's and men's eights rode with skill and determination, earning both teams silver medals.
The team members hail from across Canada, including Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Veteran Paralympic swimmer Benoît Huot gave Canada its first gold medal at the Paralympic Games, and set a world record as well.
Congratulations to Benoit, a gold medal record.
And although she is not here with us today, friends, I'd like to say a few words about the ever inspiring Clara Hughes, a great competitor and a great Canadian.
Clara competed, as you know, in her last Olympic Games this summer.
It has been an incredible record.
That's Winter and Summer Olympics.
As a six-time Olympian and a six-time medallist, her dedication to sport and to the country has been truly remarkable.
Let's all give her a big thanks.
In 3-metre synchronized diving, Quebec's Émilie Heymans and Jennifer Abel gave Canada its first medal in the 2012 Olympic Games.
Bravo, Émilie and Jennifer.
And last, friends, but certainly not least, I want to mention our women's soccer team, based in Vancouver and led by captain and flag-bearer, Christine Sinclair.
Canadians are not soon going to forget this team's resilience and heroism both on and off the pitch.
And make no mistake, this team has not only captivated the hearts of Canadians, they are also inspiring an entire new generation of young Canadian women on soccer fields across the country.
And let me just say this: Canadians will always see you, this team, as the real champions of Olympic soccer 2012.
Friends, you have shown that you have to think big and aim high, because Canada can stand up against the best in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, although you come from all parts of this very large country, in London, I know that each one of you had the Canadian flag draped over your shoulders, pinned onto your knapsacks, and waving high in the air.
Unlike almost anything else, the Olympics and Paralympic Games have the power to unite us as Canadians under the maple leaf.
This summer you all did our country proud, and today it is our great honour to have you here and to bestow upon each of you and upon your coaches also here present the Diamond Jubilee Medal.
This medal created to mark Her Majesty's 60th year on the Throne is awarded to deserving Canadians from all backgrounds for their contributions to Canada.
For your countless hours of training and preparation, for the intensity with which you represented our country, and for the example you have set for all Canadians young and old, I cannot think of more deserving recipients.
Thank you and congratulations.
