Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of the 2012 Ontario Winter Games being hosted in the beautiful town of Collingwood in my riding of Simcoe—Grey.
The Ontario Winter Games, which are less than 100 days away, are a chance for over 2,000 young athletes from across Ontario to compete in 24 different sporting events.
Our Winter Games, which include everything from skiing to curling and hockey to snowboarding, are an excellent opportunity to see some of our province's best young athletes.
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet the chair of the Ontario Winter Games, former rowing Olympian and Collingwood resident Brian Saunderson, who kicked off the games and spoke about the important lessons that young athletes learn at these types of competitions. These games are, for some athletes, a stepping stone to the Olympics, and they promote healthy active living among young adults.
I am proud to be part of a government that supports Canadian athletes. I wish the town of Collingwood, Mayor Cooper and the over 2,000 athletes all the best in the Ontario Winter Games.