Statement

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

---

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA

September 17, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the occasion of the closing of the XIII Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, which were held from September 6 to 17, 2008.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate our Paralympic athletes and coaches who have represented Canada so well on the world stage. Your performances were exciting to watch and your dedication and commitment are an inspiration to all Canadians."

"Canadians share a strong passion for sport from the playground to the podium. The values we learn from sport—teamwork, discipline, and confidence— are values that represent the very best of what it means to be Canadian."

"Today we can look back with pride at your accomplishments at the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, and we look forward to supporting our top athletes as we host the world during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]