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 16, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

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Good afternoon.

Olympians and Paralympians.

Colleagues from both sides of the floor and the Senate.

Honoured guests.

Canadians.

Thank you for that warm welcome.

As much as I appreciate the applause, we are not here to honour politicians.

We are here to honour you, our Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Honour your hard work.

Your dedication.

And, your sportsmanship.

You went to Torino.

You wore the Maple leaf.

And you made us all feel proud to be Canadians.

In total, you and your fellow athletes won 37 medals for Canada.

A record-shattering performance that is the pride of Canadians from St. John’s to Victoria.

And for many of you, the games were a first-time experience.

A chance to learn.

To compete.

To grow.

You are the future.

And Canadians look forward to watching and sharing in your successes.

All in all, Team Canada demonstrated that Canadians can compete with the best in the world.

As always in every Olympics and Paralympics, there were moments that we, as a nation, will never forget.

Who could forget the joyous smile of Cindy Klassen, who won five medals, including gold, in speedskating to become Canada’s most decorated Olympic athlete?
Or Paralympian Brian McKeever, who is here with us today.

Brian took four medals in cross country skiing, including gold medals in the five and ten kilometre events.

And speaking of the skiers, we also want to acknowledge another guest here today - Jennifer Heil, who won Canada’s first gold medal in Torino.

A victory in women’s Olympic moguls.
Canada scored another victory on the ski hill when Montreal's Dominique Maltais charged over the finish line to take the bronze in the Olympic debut of women's snowboard cross.

Quebec further contributed to Canada’s medal count when short track speed skaters Eric Bedard and Mathieu Turcotte, who are here with us today, along with their team mates, Francois-Louis Tremblay and Jonathan Guilmette took the silver in the 5,000-metre relay.

You made Quebec and Canada so proud.
During the days and nights Canadians were glued to their television screens watching our women’s hockey team thoroughly dominate by outscoring and out-hustling the competition.

And, of course, we can never forget the courage of Todd Nicholson of Ottawa, who carried the flag for Canada at the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games.
Although he had thought of retiring as captain of the men’s sledge hockey team, Todd battled back from injuries and led Canada to a gold medal.

These moments - and countless others too numerous to mention - demonstrated Canadian courage and determination.
Traits that will be vividly on display when Canada welcomes the world to Vancouver-Whistler in 2010.

At those games, the world will not just see Canadians perform.

The world will also see Canada in all her beauty.

A country of generous people, stunning landscapes, and a proud history.

Friends, we have a great country.

A nation that is strong, united,
independent, and free.

Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes represent the best Canada has to offer.

To you, our Olympians and Paralympians, on behalf of the people of Canada, I say a heartfelt thank you on behalf of all Canadians for your outstanding performances in Torino.

We look forward to watching more remarkable performances of Canadian excellence.

Thank you.

And God bless Canada.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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