OTTAWA, August 24, 2008 - The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport), today congratulated the Canadian athletes who competed in the XXIX Olympic Games in Beijing, and wished Canada's Paralympic athletes well as they prepare to set off to compete in the XIII Paralympic Summer Games, also taking place in Beijing from September 6 to 17, 2008.
"Years of relentless preparation have earned the Canadian Olympic team members this great opportunity to compete in the world's most prestigious sporting competition," said Minister Emerson. "As our sport ambassadors, they have brought our country tremendous pride and honour."
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate our athletes and coaches. Canada's team delivered many outstanding, inspiring performances," said Secretary of State Guergis. "Good luck to our Paralympic athletes who will soon compete at the Paralympic Summer Games."
Canada placed tied for fourteenth in the medal count with 18 total medals - 3 gold, 9 silver and 6 bronze. Our athletes showing in Beijing was the most successful at the Summer Olympics since the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
"We salute our athletes' dedication and commitment to excellence," said the Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages). "I encourage all Canadians to once again rally behind our athletes, as Canada plays host to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."
"It's an honour for me to represent the Government of Canada at today's closing ceremony with our athlete's as they complete their Olympic journey," said the Honourable Jay Hill, Secretary of State and Chief Government Whip,. "Their remarkable accomplishements have touched the hearts and minds of an entire nation."
The Canadian Paralympic team travelling to Beijing will be made up of 150 athletes and 120 team coaches, team leaders, and mission staff. This is one of Canada's largest Paralympic teams to date. More than 4000 athletes from 145 countries are expected to compete in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Composed of 471 events in 20 sports and disciplines, the events will be held at 19 venues in and around Beijing. Equestrian and sailing events will take place in Hong Kong and Qingdao, respectively.
The Government of Canada continues to play a leading role with respect to the inclusion of persons with a disability in sport. Through its Policy on Sport for Persons with a Disability, Sport Canada is allocating $17 million for sport programming dedicated to Canadians with a disability in 2008-2009.
The Government of Canada recognizes that sport is a defining part of Canada's identity and is pleased to support Canada's summer sport athletes. In 2008-09, the Government of Canada's investment in the Canadian sport system will grow to an all-time high of $166 million to support participation and excellence in sport from the playground to the podium. This amount includes the Budget 2008 commitment of $24 million over two years and an additional $24 million per year ongoing support to Canada's summer sport athletes through the Road to Excellence program.
Canada is honoured to welcome the world to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The Government of Canada has committed more than $650 million to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including a direct investment of $20 million to help offset the operating costs of the Paralympic Games. This overall investment will create lasting legacies and ensure that Canada's athletes continue to have access to world-class facilities.
Information:
Philippe Mailhot
Communications Director
Office of the Honourable Helena Guergis,
Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport)
613 995-1293
Media Relations,
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
1 866-669-6155
