Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday marked the end of an extremely successful and enjoyable week for the athletes taking part in the Special Olympics as well as those who attended the various events.
Special Olypians from around the world came to Collingwood and Toronto to compete for medals in sports such as alpine skiing, speed skating, figure skating and floor hockey.
As with any event of this size, the Special Olympics required an enormous organizational effort and an army of volunteers. The residents of both cities should be commended for their efforts on behalf of the athletes, their coaches and their families.
Participants from around the globe return home this week with a renewed sense of accomplishment both in view of their personal successes and because of the efforts of the hundreds of volunteers and organizers who made the event possible.