Olympic and Paralympic Games 2018
Excerpt from Debates of the Senate (Hansard)
Tuesday, May 7, 2018
SENATORS’ STATEMENTS
Olympic and Paralympic Games 2018
Hon. Marty Deacon: Honourable senators, today in Ottawa we are proud to welcome over 160 Olympians and Paralympians, their coaches and the Olympic and Paralympic leadership team. This morning our Olympians and Paralympians did us very proud as they hosted hundreds of school-aged children at Ottawa University. They truly emulated the Olympic values, the power of the sport, and what sport can mean in making communities strong from coast to coast to coast.
Our athletes and coaches, under the leadership of chefs de mission Isabelle Charest, Olympics, and Todd Nicholson, Paralympics, had the best performances ever. This is the result of hundreds of little pieces of planning over six years, and many trips to Korea, ultimately ensuring that no stone goes unturned for any athlete or coach. The team supporting our team is world-class.
As a reminder, the Olympic Games resulted in 11 gold, 8 silver and 10 bronze medals, for a total of 29 medals; and the Paralympics resulted in 8 gold, 4 silver and 16 bronze medals, for a total of 28 medals.
While our athletes, coaches, staff and families were putting in everything they had to ensure that conditions were ideal for the athletes’ success, many nation-building events were taking place off the field of play.
In Canada, schools were engaged and malls were set up with displays and athlete appearances that generated local community excitement.
At Canada House in Korea, the world was welcome; everybody from the world came to see Canada. In collaboration with Pride House International, Canada Olympic House became one of the homes of Pride House. Additionally, as a demonstration of the Canadian Olympic Committee’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, there was a wonderful, warm welcome message to all guests at Canada Olympic House, which I am sure you saw in the media.
Another first this year was the Team Canada Champion Chat. Imagine our students in their classrooms in Canada having the opportunity to talk to Olympic and Paralympic champions live from Pyeongchang.
Our athletes and coaches will be celebrated well over the next two days. Tomorrow they will have a very special surprise presentation made by the Governor General before making their way to Parliament to be honoured and thanked by the Prime Minister — a special day for everyone. I can tell you that Team Canada loves being back together to celebrate.
We will not forget the incredible Olympic and Paralympic Games of 2018. From the opening ceremonies to the extinguishing of the flame, our athletes made us proud of what we do and proud of why we do what we do — but, most important, proud to be Canadian.
Senators, we are all here for the same reason: to do everything we can to make this country better. Today we are reminded that these athletes inspire and have a deep desire to make this country better, both on and off the field of play. They are our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers — Canadians that have made and will continue to make a difference in all areas of the work of the Senate.
Finally, in sport, things do not always go well. Rules are broken, and unethical activity can impact and challenge the values, resilience and hope of our athletes. We are all aware of the continuing issues around doping and the negative impact it can have.
A wonderful Canadian athlete has waited for justice to be served in her sport. I first met Christine Girard in 2010 and watched as she competed as an outstanding weightlifter while competing in India. Christine gave her very best at the Olympics, placing fourth in Beijing and then winning a bronze in London, Canada’s first-ever weightlifting medal. After many years of waiting, Christine, who was born in B.C. and grew up in Quebec, has finally been awarded what she has earned, that is, a bronze medal in Beijing and a gold medal in London. It is heartbreaking to know that an athlete who lives by positive values and plays fair did not have her moment on the podium with her anthem. In the near future, Christine will be awarded these two medals in the most appropriate and deserving way. Thank you.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!