April 16, 2014
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:
Province Honours Kaetlyn Osmond’s Olympic Performance
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a native Newfoundlander and Labradorian who made our province incredibly proud throughout her performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Kaetlyn Osmond, originally from Marystown, showed our province, the country and indeed the world that she is one of the best in the sport of figure skating.
Ms. Osmond’s road to the Olympics began when she was two years old and put on her first pair of figure skates. She moved to Alberta when she was 10 and joined the Ice Palace Skating Club, which she currently represents. In the 2012–13 season, Ms. Osmond won her first international title at the 2012 Nebelhorn Trophy competition. She then made her senior Grand Prix debut at the 2012 Skate Canada event, where she captured the gold medal. She went on to win her first senior national title at the 2013 Senior Women’s Canadian Figure Skating Championships and also placed eighth at the World Championships.
Mr. Speaker, undoubtedly televisions and smart boards all throughout Newfoundland and Labrador were turned on for Kaetlyn’s outstanding performances at this year’s Olympics. I’m certain cheers could be heard all across our province when she won a silver medal in the team figure skating competition, and we were also exceptionally proud of her performance in the women’s long program. Her perseverance and passion are truly inspirational, and she demonstrated these qualities well during her time at the Olympics.
There are many characteristics associated with being an elite athlete, Mr. Speaker, and Kaetlyn Osmond personifies each and every one of them. Aside from her athletic ability, she has exhibited professionalism and strength of character that are second to none. Her journey is a wonderful example of how dedication, commitment and a passion for a sport can help you attain the ultimate in sport achievement, namely the Olympics. Our government is exceptionally proud of her outstanding accomplishments.
Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better role model than Kaetlyn Osmond to encourage young people to always put their best efforts forward and follow their dreams. She is a shining example of how hard work and commitment help us succeed, no matter what path we choose to follow.
Tomorrow, Mr. Speaker, we are delighted to have the opportunity to meet Kaetlyn when she returns home to the province, and we will host an event in her honour in the East Block lobby at 1:30 p.m.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2014 04 16 3:55 p.m.