Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute today to the members of Canada's paralympic team which presently is in Salt Lake City participating in the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games from March 7 to 16.
The games opened on March 7 with Mr. Mark Ludbrook as Canada's flag bearer. Mr. Ludbrook, who is participating in his fifth paralympics, led a proud Canadian team consisting of 29 athletes and 30 coaches and staff. Over the weekend the accomplishments were stellar. The team brought home four medals and nine top eight finishes.
In nordic skiing Shauna Maria Whyte placed fourth in the women's 7.5 km biathlon on March 8 and placed fifth in women's cross country short distance on March 10. Brian McKeever, with guide Robin McKeever, placed sixth in the men's biathlon on March 8 and also won Canada's first gold medal in men's cross country short distance on March 10. Colette Bourgonje placed fourth in women's cross country short distance on March 10. Karolina Wisniewska brought home the bronze medal in women's downhill.