Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the following statement as the Vancouver Olympics opened today:
“After years of planning and anticipation, today Canadians proudly welcome the world to beautiful Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Tonight’s opening ceremonies will provide an exciting launch for the next 17 days, when all Canadians will live the Olympic dream.
Today we also recognize the Aboriginal peoples who have welcomed the world to take part in the games hosted on their ancestral lands, and start the countdown to the opening of the Paralympics games on March 12th.
When our athletes leave the starting gate, years of training will become moments of Olympic glory. They will inspire our country, and show the world what Canada can do.
We’re proud of the athletes who will wear our colours on the ice and on the course. Pushed to their limits, we know they’ll find the strength to succeed. In those few short seconds where history is made, we’ll be with them, cheering and on the edge of our seats.
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary caucus, I wish all of our Olympians and Paralympians the best of luck in their quest for a medal. All Canadians are behind you and cheering ‘Go, Team Canada!’”
Liberal Critic for Amateur Sport and the Vancouver Olympics, Joyce Murray, added:
“The Opening Ceremony for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is an event of historic significance that has provided Canada with an incredibly unique opportunity to tell our national story and welcome the world.
This amazing display of Canadian history and cultural heritage will be an outstanding, once-in-a-lifetime event. After years of preparation by games organizers, volunteers and the athletes themselves, it is thrilling to see the curtains finally rise on the 2010 games.”
Link to video statement:
http://lpc.ca/van2010
