Canadian Paralympic Team Gets Big Sendoff - It’s Not Over in Torino!

CPC
March 1st, 2006

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Sport Minister Michael Chong joined a throng of well wishers at the Canadian Museum of Civilization today as they convened a news conference to announce who was going to be on the Canadian Paralympic Team that is heading for the podium in Torino at IX Paralympic Winter Games, March 10 to 19. They also lent their support to FEEL THE RUSH, CPC’s Paralympic Sport Involvement Campaign.

“Canada’s Paralympic Movement is growing fast and I am intensely proud of these fine athletes as they head for the snow and ice in Torino,” said Prime Minister Harper. “They represent all that is great about Canada, the courage and competitive spirit of our nation, and for me and Canadians everywhere, they are true heroes!”

“As Canada’s Minister of Sport, I want to express my enthusiastic support for this team and for Paralympic Sports in Canada,” said Sport Minister Michael Chong, “I know they are going to make Canada proud and, what’s more, they are going to pave the way to the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver in gold, silver and bronze!”

The team line up was introduced by CPC President Henry Wohler and Chef de Mission Marg McGregor.

“Families, friends and fans all over this country are feeling the excitement of the Paralympic Games,” said Wohler. “For entertainment and inspiration they are unmatched; there’s more gold for Canada in Torino, folks!”

“The team is very strong,” said McGregor. “We have the best in the world in Alpine, Nordic and Hockey, and great new Curling team that is competing for the first time. We have a good mix of experience and new talent and expect a top ten finish with ten medals at the very least and a lot of pleasant surprises as our team steps up its performance for the big show!”

33 Canadian athletes will be competing in Torino in Paralympic Alpine and Nordic skiing, Hockey and Curling. Over 600 athletes will gather for the largest winter event for athletes with a physical disability.