Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the occasion of the Rowing Canada Aviron Annual Award Banquet

VANCOUVER, Jan. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - I was honoured to have attended the Rowing Canada Aviron Award Banquet to honour Canada's best athletes in all levels of rowing. Throughout the past year, Canadian rowers made a name for themselves nationally and internationally.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to offer my congratulations to all our Canadian rowers, including those who made us proud at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Their accomplishments are an inspiration to Canadians of all ages and abilities, particularly our young people.

Rowing is one of Canada's most successful medal sports, with an impressive history of accomplishments and podium finishes at the highest levels of competition, including the latest Olympic Summer Games in London. I commend the accomplishment of all the coaches and volunteers and everyone at Rowing Canada Aviron who are devoted to bringing excellence to this sport.

We will continue working with Canada's sport organizations, like Rowing Canada Aviron, to support our athletes and the sport in Canada. The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium.

As Minister of State (Sport), I would like to recognize all our athletes being honoured at the Rowing Canada Aviron Annual Award Banquet. Congratulations on this important achievement.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage