Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of an exemplary young woman from my constituency of Cape Breton—Canso.
Next Tuesday in Toronto, Lynette Sampson from Sydney River will receive the Female Athlete of the Year award from Special Olympics Canada.
Lynette's achievements in the swimming pool over the past year have been nothing short of outstanding. In July she won a silver medal in the 25 metre backstroke and a bronze medal in the 50 metre freestyle event at the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in London, Ontario.
In May she was named Special Olympics Cape Breton's top female athlete. In July, she learned she would be named Nova Scotia's top female Special Olympian, and now she will receive this national award, which takes into account not only her athletic achievements but her overall outlook on life as well.
I know it was a proud moment for all a year ago when she carried the Olympic torch on to the stage at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion. It will be just as thrilling, I am sure, Tuesday in Toronto when she leaves the stage as Canada's top female Special Olympian.
Please join me, my colleagues in the House and all people from Cape Breton—Canso in asking Lynette to accept my heartfelt congratulations—