Mr. Speaker, the Special Olympics, Canada Winter Games 2004, is being held this week in Prince Edward Island.
More than 1,000 participants, coaches, managers, mission staff and special guests are taking part in the games which are being held at various venues in Charlottetown and Brookvale, Prince Edward Island and Wentworth, Nova Scotia.
The primary role for Special Olympics Canada is to enrich the lives of Canadians with intellectual disability through sports.
Special Olympics is a not for profit agency with a strong community presence that provides opportunities for training and competition to thousands of athletes of all ages and abilities.
The organization also has an army of volunteers who give their time as trainers, officials and administrators.
I would ask the members of the House to join me in congratulating the event organizers, volunteers, participants and the host province of Prince Edward Island for the remarkable contribution to the quality of life of countless Special Olympic Canadian athletes.