Government Of Canada Salutes Canada's Paralympic Team
OTTAWA, 28 August 2000 -- The Government of Canada today saluted the 161 members of the Canadian Paralympic team who will be taking part in the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney from October 18 to 29. The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) made the announcement this morning on Parliament Hill in the presence of Senator Joyce Fairbairn and Secretary of State (Amateur sport) Denis Coderre."Our athletes are in great shape and ready to shatter all medal records at the 2000 Paralympic Games! From the beginning, the Government of Canada has supported the goals of the Paralympic Movement and it intends to continue its efforts so that the Paralympic athletes enjoy the same consideration and the same recognition as any other high performance athlete," said Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps.
"I am proud to support the Canadian Paralympic team," said Mr. Coderre. "Paralympic athletes need constant effort and outstanding force of character to succeed, and these athletes are living proof that it is possible to reach the highest levels. Paralympic athletes are an inspiration for us, and we especially admire them because they have the courage to pursue their dreams." Mr. Coderre also pointed out that Canada is a world leader in the field of Paralympic sports.
More than 4,000 Paralympians from 125 countries will be taking part in 18 sports at the Paralympic Games. Canadian athletes will be represented in 16 of these.
A list of the members of Canada's Paralympic team, plus other information on the Games, is available on the CPC web site: http://www.paralympic.ca.
Information:
Patrick L. Doyon
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State
(Amateur Sport)
(819) 994-9909
Catherine Gagnaire
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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