Thursday, December 5, 2024
Over 180 Canadian athletes were celebrated on Parliament Hill today for their remarkable achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The celebration included a reception with parliamentarians, followed by special recognition on the floor of the House of Commons.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity Carla Qualtrough, and other Members of Parliament and Senators joined the festivities to honor the Olympians and Paralympians who made history in Paris, securing a total of 27 Olympic medals and 29 Paralympic medals for Team Canada.
The event also saw the participation of key figures from Canada’s sporting organizations, including Canadian Olympic Committee President Tricia Smith, CEO David Shoemaker, and Team Canada Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Games Bruny Surin.
Canadian Paralympic Committee President Marc-André Fabien, CEO Karen O’Neill, and co-Chefs de Mission Karolina Wisniewska and Josh Vander Vies also attended, celebrating the athletes’ exceptional performances.
The evening before the parliamentary celebration, a private Team Canada event at the Canadian Museum of History featured the presentation of the prestigious James Worrall Flag Bearer Awards, presented by Petro-Canada, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic rings presented by Teck.
Quotes from the Event:
“The Government of Canada is pleased to celebrate Canada’s Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic athletes on Parliament Hill.
This summer, Canadians witnessed incredible achievements, with Team Canada making these Games one of the most successful in our country’s history.
Athletes, you’ve made the nation proud with your dedication, perseverance, and sheer grit. Congratulations!”
— The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity
“Every single Team Canada athlete at Paris 2024 represented Canada with pride and truly embodied our Olympic and Paralympic values. Through the power of sport, they inspired millions of Canadians.
This recognition in Parliament is an honour, and a moment that will stay with our athletes forever.”
— Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
“Paris 2024 was a spectacular Games that showcased how sport can unite communities, a nation, and the world. Canadian athletes made our country proud with their performances.
It’s an honour to see both Paralympians and Olympians being recognized for their hard work and dedication in Ottawa.”
— Marc-André Fabien, President, Canadian Paralympic Committee
“I always dreamed of standing on the Olympic podium representing Canada. To have achieved that goal in Paris is a dream come true, and it’s the result of years of hard work from many people.
I’m proud to celebrate this moment alongside my teammates in Parliament.”
— Skylar Park, Paris 2024 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Taekwondo
“Winning a bronze medal at my third Paralympic Games in Paris has been the highlight of my life. Our team’s special bond and years of hard work made this moment even more meaningful.
I’m thrilled to be recognized alongside all of Team Canada’s Paralympians and Olympians in Ottawa.”
— Heidi Peters, Paris 2024 Paralympic Bronze Medalist, Sitting Volleyball
The event not only recognized the athletes’ achievements but also celebrated the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines Team Canada.
