OTTAWA (December 4, 2024) — Earlier today, more than 180 athletes were celebrated on Parliament Hill for their achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The athletes were invited to a reception with parliamentarians, followed by recognition on the floor of the House of Commons.
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity and other Members of Parliament and Senators were present to recognize and celebrate the Olympians and Paralympians who made their mark in Paris, bringing home 27 and 29 medals respectively for Team Canada at these Games.
They were joined on Parliament Hill by Canadian Olympic Committee President Tricia Smith, CEO and Secretary General David Shoemaker, and Team Canada Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Bruny Surin; as well as Canadian Paralympic Committee President Marc-André Fabien, CEO Karen O’Neill, and Canadian Paralympic Team co-Chefs de Mission for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Karolina Wisniewska and Josh Vander Vies.
The presentation of the James Worrall Flag Bearer Awards presented by Petro-Canada and distribution of the Olympic and Paralympic rings presented by Teck took place at a private Team Canada event held at the Canadian Museum of History the evening before the celebration in Parliament.
QUOTES:
“The Government of Canada is pleased to celebrate Canada’s Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic athletes on Parliament Hill. Over the summer, Canadians witnessed all of the incredible achievements and unforgettable moments, as Team Canada made these Games one of the most successful in our country’s history. Athletes, you’ve made the nation proud with your dedication, perseverance and sheer grit. Congratulations,” shared The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity.
“Every single Team Canada athlete at Paris 2024 represented Canada with pride and truly demonstrated our Olympic and Paralympic values. Through the power of sport they inspired and brought joy to millions of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. I am thrilled to join the Government of Canada in celebrating their journey and achievements representing Canada at the Paris 2024 Games. This recognition in Parliament is an honour and a moment to cherish for our Team Canada athletes, and one that will stay with them forever,” added Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee.
“Paris 2024 was a spectacular Games that truly showcased how sport can bring together communities, a nation, and the world. Canadian athletes made the whole country proud with their performances, and it is wonderful to see Paralympians and Olympians together in Ottawa recognized for all their hard work and dedication in doing their best on the global stage and advancing their sports across Canada. Thank you to the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for a fabulous Games and to the Government of Canada for this much-deserved celebration for the athletes,” shared Marc-André Fabien, President, Canadian Paralympic Committee.
“I remember even at a young age telling my parents that I wanted to stand on the Olympic podium and represent Canada. To have reached that goal in Paris is a dream come true, and it was a result of years of hard work from so many people, for which I am truly grateful! I am sure that this sentiment is echoed by all my fellow Canadian athletes that competed in Paris. It feels so special to have our work celebrated and recognized in parliament alongside all my Canadian teammates,” shared Skylar Park, Paris 2024 Olympic Bronze Medallist, Taekwondo.
“Winning a bronze medal at my third Paralympic Games in Paris has been the highlight of my life. Our team’s connection is special, and we worked tremendously hard for years. These Games meant so much more because we fell just short of the podium in Tokyo. Earning a chance for redemption and finishing with a huge historic win is a feeling of pride I’ll never forget. I am so excited to celebrate our accomplishment and be recognized alongside all of Team Canada’s Paralympians and Olympians in Ottawa,” added Heidi Peters, Paris 2024 Paralympic Bronze Medallist, Sitting Volleyball.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura Albright
Interim Senior Manager, Communications
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 416-708-5792
E: lalbright@olympic.ca
Nicole Watts
Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Canadian Paralympic Committee
C: 613-462-2700
E: nwatts@paralympic.ca