Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on Announcement of Nominees to 2014 Canadian Olympic Biathlon Team

OTTAWA, Jan. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the biathlon athletes who have been named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Team.

Members of the 2014 Olympic team include the three-time Olympians Jean-Philippe Le Guellec (Shannon, Que.) and Zina Kocher (Red Deer, Alta.). On the men's side, Jean-Philippe Le Guellec will be joined by 2010 Olympic teammate Brendan Green (Hay River, N.W.T.); along with first-time Olympians Scott Perras (Regina, Sask.) and Nathan Smith (Calgary, Alta.). On the women's side, Zina Kocher will be joined by Rosanna Crawford (Canmore, Alta.), Megan Imrie (Falcon Lake, Man.), and Megan Heinicke (Prince George, B.C.).

Our athletes are an enormous source of pride for all Canadians. That is why our Government is proud to provide continued support for Olympic sports and our Canadian Olympic athletes who will proudly represent this great nation on the world stage.

As Minister of State (Sport), I wish all these athletes the very best of success as they prepare to represent Canada in February in Sochi, Russia. This is an incredible milestone in your sport careers, and all Canadians will be cheering for you and your teammates in your pursuit of world-class athletic excellence at the Olympic Winter Games.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage