I would like to congratulate all Ontario athletes that competed in the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Our province sent 63 athletes to compete on the world’s stage, competing in 93 of the 98 events. These 63 individuals helped form the largest Canadian contingent that we’ve ever sent to a Winter Olympics.
Most notably, for me, are the three Olympians – three gold medalists – from my town of Oakville: Kirsten Wall, who was a part of the women’s curling team; Brianne Jenner, who was a part of the women’s hockey team; and John Tavares, who was a part of the men’s hockey team.
As we look back at the success of our Olympic athletes, we have the privilege of looking forward to another tournament featuring the best Canada and Ontario have to offer. Greg Westlake, another proud resident of Oakville, will be competing for gold with the Canadian sledge hockey team in the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. On behalf of the people of Oakville, Ontario, and Canada: congratulations and thank you for representing us admirably.
Ontario supports its athletes year round with direct financial assistance through programs like Quest for Gold, and celebrates athletic achievement through recognition programs like the Ontario Sport Awards. Ontario also assists provincial and local sport organizations to ensure that high performance athletes have the tools they need to succeed at the highest levels of competition, including the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Helping athletes compete and win is part of the government’s plan to work together as One Ontario, to build a successful, vital province where everyone has the opportunity to connect, contribute and achieve their goals.