Mr. Speaker, this last weekend Kitchener-Waterloo hosted the 1995 winter games, the Ontario Special Olympics.
The Ontario Special Olympics are part of a worldwide charitable organization that helps meet the need for sport training and competition among 300,000 children and adults who are developmentally challenged. Two hundred and ninety-five athletes competed and they were true to their Special Olympic oath: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt".
Generous donations in excess of $156,000 and the efforts of over 700 volunteers helped to make this year's winter games a great success.
This spirit of compassion, caring and sharing was demonstrated by my community and exemplified by the 107 members of the Westvale Public School choir that sang: "Keep the Spirit Alive". This song was written especially for the opening ceremonies by their teacher Lorna Beam.
The very special athletes of the Ontario Special Olympics rose to the challenge and exemplified to all Canadians how to keep the spirit alive.