Executive Council
March 9, 2016
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:
Premier Ball Recognizes Special Olympics Success
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Corner Brook, and the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games committee, for their success this past week in hosting the first-ever national Special Olympic Games held in Newfoundland and Labrador.
I had the honour of participating in the opening ceremonies on March 1, and witnessing first-hand the positive energy and spirit that defines the Special Olympics movement.
Mr. Speaker, the Special Olympics remind us of the importance of inclusion when providing opportunities for all people to participate in competitive sport. They also enable us to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these accomplished athletes.
Close to 1,000 athletes from across Canada, along with their coaches, friends, and family members, attended the games, Mr. Speaker. I congratulate them all, but want to recognize, in particular, the 44 members of Team Newfoundland and Labrador and their coaches for representing us so well.
Newfoundland and Labrador athletes earned a total of 36 medals at the games – 10 gold, 16 silver and 10 bronze – more than double the medals earned at the 2012 Winter Games.
Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues in this House to join me in congratulating the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games athletes, as well as the coaches, organizers, volunteers and supporters for a job extremely well done.
2016 03 09 2:20 p.m.