Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on Garett Hickling Being Named Canada's Flag-Bearer for the London 2012 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony

OTTAWA, Aug. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my most heartfelt congratulations to Garett Hickling, who was today named Canada's flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Summer Games.

On August 29, Garett Hickling will carry our Canadian flag and lead his teammates into the Olympic Stadium in London—truly the experience of a lifetime.

A total of 145 talented athletes, along with their coaches and support staff, will make up the 2012 Canadian Paralympic Team in London. The Games, which will be held from August 29 to September 9, 2012, are expected to attract 4,200 athletes from 165 countries.

The Harper Government recognizes that our athletes are an enormous source of pride for all Canadians and serve as excellent role models for our youth.

We have maintained record-level funding to the Canadian sport system, including our support for the Canadian Paralympic Committee, summer national sport organizations and Own the Podium, so we can ensure that our athletes reach the podium at every possible opportunity.

We look forward to joining millions of Canadians across the country in cheering on our Canadian Paralympic athletes as they take on the world's best with pride, determination, and the Maple Leaf close to their hearts.

A list of Canada's Paralympic team members and other information on the 2012 London Paralympic Summer Games is available on the Canadian Paralympic Committee website at www.paralympic.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage