News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister pays tribute to Olympic and Paralympic medalists

May 15, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

At a reception held on Parliament Hill today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper honoured Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic medalists, who together, brought home 37 medals. “Yours was a record-shattering performance that is the pride of Canadians from St. John’s to Victoria.”

The Prime Minister went on to pay special tribute to Cindy Klassen and Brian McKeever, both of whom won multiple medals at the recent games. “Who could forget the joyous smile of Cindy Klassen when she won five medals, including gold, in speed skating to become Canada’s most decorated Olympic athlete? Or the performance of Paralympian Brian McKeever, who took four medals in cross country skiing,” he asked the crowd in attendance.

Prime Minister Harper concluded his remarks by thanking the athletes and commenting that their phenomenal performance bodes well for Canada’s chances in the four year’s time when Vancouver-Whistler hosts the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. “Your performance demonstrated Canadian courage and determination, traits that will be vividly on display when Canada welcomes the world in 2010. To you, our Olympians and Paralympians, on behalf of the people of Canada, I say a heartfelt thank you for your outstanding performances in Torino.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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