Relive the excitement of the Team Canada Celebrations! @SportCanada_EN @TeamCanada #35MStrong pic.twitter.com/GuFURgKn5B
— CDN Paralympic Team (@CDNParalympics) December 19, 2016
(Ottawa, ON) On Wednesday, November 2, the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees, hosted more than 250 Canadian athletes and coaches in Ottawa and Gatineau to celebrate their achievements at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Paralympians David Eng, Tracey Ferguson, Erica Gavel, Cindy Ouellet and Amanda Yan were in attendance to represent the Canadian men’s and women’s national wheelchair basketball teams.
The celebration began in the morning at the University of Ottawa and the Centre sportif de Gatineau where Olympians and Paralympians engaged with local students.
At the University of Ottawa, students and athletes were surprised with a visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who joined in on the sport activities and took a moment to address the excited crowd.
What a great morning yesterday when young Canadians were inspired by #TeamCanada athletes #35Mstrong pic.twitter.com/4k2pX99hlG
— Sport Canada (@SportCanada_EN) November 3, 2016
So awesome that @JustinTrudeau stopped in at @OttawaU ! Excited for the House of Commons Ceremony! #35MStrong pic.twitter.com/pTTTsEmxlQ
— Erica Gavel (@EricaGavel) November 2, 2016
The athletes and coaches then attended a luncheon hosted by the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, where they received their Olympic and Paralympic rings, and David Eng and his fellow flag bearers each received the James Worrall Flag Bearer Award.
Finally, the athletes and coaches were welcomed into the House of Commons to be honoured by all members of Parliament. The House rose in extended applause as each athlete paraded across the floor, an honour reserved for only very special guests.
@JustinTrudeau and @CQualtro Qualtrough in an amazing #TeamCanada pic @ Parliament Hill for outstanding athletes back from Rio. #35Mstrong pic.twitter.com/Ks3raR72Hl
— CDN Paralympic Team (@CDNParalympics) November 2, 2016
Thank You @PMcanadien @JustinTrudeau
For hosting us in the House today. @RosieMacLennan @The_Real_DENG #TeamCanada #UltimateSelfie pic.twitter.com/41F9iuLe7B— David Eng (@The_Real_DENG) November 2, 2016
About the Canadian Paralympic Committee
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 25 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 high performance athletes with a disability 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. For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.