Flash Quotes: Opening Ceremony London 2012 Paralympic Games

LONDON, UK, Aug. 29, 2012 /CNW/ -

"It was just awesome. I had never felt like that before. Walking in with all the players behind me, I smiled knowing that my family was there. It was unbelievable. I am speechless."

- Garett Hickling (Kelowna, BC), Canadian Team Flag Bearer, Wheelchair Rugby

"Amazing. I feel so proud. It's very special to be here. The moment we walked in the stadium is something I'll never forget."

- Ahmed Zeividavi (Vancouver, BC), Goalball

"It's always great to feel the energy of the crowd. I find it inspiring, motivating and it gets us in the right frame of mind for our first game tomorrow [against Japan]. It's always awesome to walk in with first-timers."

- Jerry Tonello (Toronto, ON), Head Coach, Men's Wheelchair Basketball Team

"This is amazing. Overwhelming. It's great to be here with Team Canada, we've got a great representation here, it's great to see all the athletes, coaches, support staff enjoying such a beautiful venue."

- Robbi Weldon (Thunder Bay, ON), Cycling

"It's unbelievable, 80,000 people cheering for Canada, I had tears in my eyes, so much emotion."

- Philippe Bedard (Bromont, QC), Wheelchair Tennis

"It's pretty awe-inspiring, so amazing to see, so many other countries and just the packed stadium, all the work we've put in to get to where we are now, just the biggest thrill of a lifetime, no question."

- Joel Dembe (Toronto, ON), Wheelchair Tennis

"It felt great when we walked in the stadium. I feel lucky to have experienced this."

- Jana Murphy (Victoria, BC), Swimming

"I am very excited that the opening day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games has finally arrived. As the Canadian Paralympic Team parades into the Opening Ceremony, Canadians across our country share in their national pride. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all our athletes the best of luck!"

- Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

Canada has a total of 145 athletes competing in 15 sports at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 9. The full team list and media guide are available at www.paralympic.ca/london2012.

Note to Editors: Broadcast-standard video and mp3 files are available for media download via SendtoNews: www.sendtonews.com. Still images are available via www.paralympic.ca/imagebank.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee's vision is to be the world's leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations.

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www.twitter.com/CDNParalympics #London2012 #GoCanadaGo
www.youtube.com/CDNParalympics

SOURCE: CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (CPC)

Alison Korn
Press Chief / Chef de Presse
Canadian Paralympic Team / Equipe paralympique canadien
London : 07510 875 867
[email protected]

Judy Joseph-Black
Assistant Press Chief / Chef de Presse adjointe
Canadian Paralympic Team / Equipe paralympique canadien
London : 07510 875 869
[email protected]