Prime Minister Stephen Harper marks closing of Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games

February 28, 2010

VANCOUVER – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated the Canadian athletes, coaches, volunteers and organizers who contributed to making the 2010 Olympic Winter Games held in Vancouver and Whistler a tremendous success:
 
“These Games were Canada’s time to shine.  With the hopes of millions of Canadians resting on their strong shoulders, our Olympic athletes more than shone, they swept away records, amazed us with their courage and showed the world the strength of Canadian athletics.
 
“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank the entire national Olympic team for providing us with some of the most exciting moments in Canadian sporting history.  Your commitment, dedication, spirit and success at these Games have inspired the nation and will undoubtedly motivate young Canadians to follow in your footsteps.  
 
“By winning 26 total medals — 14 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze — Canada placed third in the medal count at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, placed first in number of gold medals and set a record for the most medals ever won by Canadian athletes at an Olympic Winter Games and most gold medals ever won by a Winter Games host.
 
 “In fact Canada’s Olympians set the new standard of excellence, the only nation to win 14 gold medals in a Winter Games.
 
“We will especially remember our first Olympic gold medal on Canadian soil and that Canada produced the first ever North American figure skating pairs gold medal.
 
“I would also like to salute the tireless efforts of the volunteers and organizers who made it possible to showcase the very best that Canada has to offer in terms of ingenuity, friendliness, culture and diversity.  The Games produced lasting memories that will endure for years to come.
 
“On March 12, 2010, Canada and the world will once again turn its attention to Vancouver, this time for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.  Canada looks forward to cheering on our Paralympic athletes as they too go for gold on home soil.”