Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, which will see thousands of athletes from 88 nations come together to participate in nearly 100 events to see who may fulfill the Olympic motto of “Faster, higher, stronger”.
From the opening ceremonies today right through to the closing ceremonies on February 23, Canadian athletes from coast to coast to coast will take part in these games in the spirit of not just competition in athletic excellence but friendship, multiculturalism, and inclusion across race, creed, and orientation. All the way, the folks back here at home will be right there with them, if not in body then in spirit, as we cheer on our Olympians.
I join with all members in this House in wishing our athletes and athletes participating from all over the world a happy and safe Winter Olympics. We cannot wait until our athletes return home, their luggage just a little bit heavier from the weight of their medals.