Mr Speaker, on behalf of all Members of Parliament and each of my constituents I would like to be the first to extend my best wishes to all Canadian athletes arriving in Nagano, Japan this week.
Each of these athletes embodies all that is good about Canada. It is with great pride that we will watch the largest contingent of Canadian winter Olympians compete in this, the last winter games of this century. I take particular pride in the athletes from Wild Rose and wish them the best of luck in their individual sports.
The winter Olympics epitomize the Canadian ideal that glory is found not solely in winning but in the journey of sacrifice and hard work that characterizes the athlete's life. Although the majority of Canadians will experience the Olympics only from their living rooms, we want our athletes to know that the nation is behind them every step of the way.
We know you will not fail us as Canadian ambassadors abroad and as role models to our youth. Good luck to one and all. You have already made us proud.