Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the occasion of the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games

LONDON, ENGLAND, Aug. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - As the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games officially come to a close, I would like to offer my most heartfelt congratulations to our entire Canadian Olympic Team on sixteen days of amazing competition.

Our athletes demonstrated great skill and determination, and many of their outstanding performances resulted in spectacular podium finishes, bringing Canada to a thirteenth place ranking in the final standings—an accomplishment to be proud of.

It was an honour to attend the Games and cheer on our athletes as they competed with true national pride. Each and every performance made me more and more proud to be Canadian.

I would like to thank our athletes' biggest fans—their families and friends—for making such a vital contribution to these athletes' achievements.

Tonight, our Canadian Olympic Team will be led into the closing ceremony by Canada's official flag bearer, Christine Sinclair. By leading Canada to the bronze medal in women's soccer, Christine is an excellent example of a talented athlete, fierce competitor, and proud Canadian. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment.

In only a few short weeks, the London 2012 Paralympic Summer Games will take this city by storm as they welcome the world's top Paralympic athletes to London from August 29 to September 9.

Our Canadian Paralympic Team has been training long and hard and they are eager to show the rest of the world what Canada brings to the playing field.

I encourage all Canadians to come together to cheer on our remarkable athletes as they compete on behalf of our great nation.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage