Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) on Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse Being Named Canada's Flag-Bearers for the Closing Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games

OTTAWA, Feb. 23, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my most heartfelt congratulations to Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse, who were today named Canada's flag-bearers for the closing ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. This exciting announcement was made by the Canadian Olympic Committee in Sochi, Russia.

Kaillie and Heather's performance in bobsleigh, which earned them a gold medal, has inspired Canadians across our country. Demonstrating outstanding talent and drive, Kaillie and Heather represent true Canadian athleticism and pride, and I Iook forward to cheering them on as they lead our Canadian Olympic Team into the Olympic Stadium one last time.

It has been an exciting journey for our Canadian Olympic Team so far, and I am honoured to have witnessed many of their amazing performances.

Our Government recognizes that our ever-inspiring athletes are an enormous source of pride for all Canadians and serve as excellent role models for our young people.

We have maintained record-level funding to the Canadian sport system, including our support for the Canadian Olympic Committee, winter national sport organizations and Own the Podium, so that we can ensure our athletes reach the podium at every possible opportunity.

I encourage all Canadians to join me in cheering on our Canadian Olympic Team in these final days of competition.

Let's go, Canada!

A list of Canada's Olympic team members and other information on the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games is available on the Canadian Olympic Committee website at www.olympic.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
[e-mail]