Canadian Para athletes honoured by their Government

“To all our athletes and coaches, congratulations and well done. Team Canada’s athletes are outstanding role models for all Canadians.”

The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees, received more than 250 Canadian athletes and coaches in Ottawa and Gatineau to celebrate their achievements at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The day kicked off with sport fairs at the University of Ottawa and the Centre Sportif de Gatineau, where Olympians and Paralympians engaged local elementary school students in various sport activities to encourage physical activity and sport participation. The morning also included Facebook Live sessions with athletes and students from across Canada.

The athletes and coaches then attended a luncheon hosted by Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, where they received their Olympic and Paralympic rings.

They were also welcomed into the House of Commons to be honoured by all members of Parliament. The House rose in extended applause as each athlete paraded across the floor, an honour reserved for only very special guests.

Olympic gymnast Rosie MacLennan, wheelchair basketball player David Eng, Olympic swimmer Penny Oleksiak and Paralympic swimmer Aurelie Rivard, who was unable to attend the event, were given the James Worrall Flag Bearer Awards by Petro Canada for their achievements.

“It has been so rewarding to be here today with my teammates to share our success and experiences with kids and parliamentarians,” said Rio 2016 Paralympic swimming champion Katarina Roxon.

“An athlete’s success is only made possible thanks to the support of our coaches, community and country, and today was a perfect mix of all those. Thank you to the Government of Canada for supporting Canadian athletes and making today’s events possible.”

CPC President Gaetan Tardif added: “To all our athletes and coaches, congratulations and well done. Team Canada’s athletes are outstanding role models for all Canadians.”

Canada won eight golds, 10 silvers and 11 bronzes at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

For more information, visit the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s website.