Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on Announcement of Some Nominees to 2014 Canadian Olympic Snowboard Cross and Slopestyle Teams

OTTAWA, Jan. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the snowboard cross and slopestyle athletes who were named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Team.

The athletes named to the 2014 Olympic team include three-time Olympian and Vancouver 2010 Olympic gold medallist, Maelle Ricker (West Vancouver, BC); along with first-time Olympians Mark McMorris (Regina, SK), Sebastien Toutant (Montreal, QC), Spencer O'Brien (Alert Bay, BC) and Chris Robanske (Calgary, AB).

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