Mr. Speaker, this evening will mark the opening of the 18th Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. For two weeks, the world's best athletes will inspire a wide range of emotions in millions of people.
Some 2,400 men and women from 80 countries will boldly and bravely compete for the gold, silver and bronze medals in 68 events.
The Bloc Quebecois members are proud of the 43 Quebeckers on the 155-member Canadian team. Myriam Bédard and Jean-Luc Brassard have made their mark in Olympic history. They are setting out along with other athletes, whose cherished and justified dream it is to mount the podium.
We wish all the athletes in the Canadian delegation good luck. May they return home satisfied and rewarded for the years of courage, perseverance and tenacity that propelled them to Nagano.