Minister Chong Congratulates Canadian Olympic Athletes
OTTAWA, February 26, 2006 --President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport Michael Chong today congratulated Canada's Olympic Team athletes who competed at the XX Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy, from February 10 to 26. More than 2500 athletes from 85 countries competed in the 2006 Winter Games."On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate every athlete and coach who competed at these Olympic Winter Games," said Minister Chong. "You gave us seventeen days of thrilling, inspiring competition, and Canadians are proud of your tremendous achievements. You have shown the world that Canadian athletes can compete and win against the best athletes in the world."
Canada placed third in the medal count with 24 medals--7 gold, 10 silver, and 7 bronze. The total is the highest medal count Canada has achieved at Olympic Winter Games.
"With the close of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, we turn our focus to the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver," said the Minister. "The Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with the sport community to ensure that Canada builds on its success at these Games and meets its objectives for the 2010 Games."
Mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan will accept the Olympic flag on behalf of all Canadians at the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games, marking the beginning of Canada's four year Olympiad.
Two weeks after the closing of the Olympic Winter Games, the IX Paralympic Winter Games will begin in Turin. They will be held from March 10 to March 19, 2006.
"Our athletes have traditionally done very well at the Paralympic Games, " said the Minister. "I wish the Canadian athletes and coaches attending the Paralympic Games, in Turin, the best of luck."
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system and has worked in collaboration with Canada's winter sport partners to launch Own the Podium -- 2010. Own the Podium sets the vision and strategy for Canada to be the number one nation at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and to be among the top three at the 2010 Paralympic Winter games. Own the Podium has an overall budget of $110 million over five years, of which the Government of Canada is contributing $55 million.
Information:
Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 997-9314
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