MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Sept. 8, 2014) - I would like to offer our Government's most heartfelt congratulations to Chantal Petitclerc, who was today named Canada's Chef de Mission for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Summer Games at an event attended by the Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board.
Ms. Petitclerc is an accomplished athlete who has competed at five Paralympic Games in wheelchair racing and won 21 medals, including 14 gold. I recently had the pleasure of working with her at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, where she was Team Canada's Chef de Mission. She is an excellent choice for Rio, and I have no doubt that she will lead our Canadian athletes to exceptional performances.
The Chef de Mission is the official spokesperson for the Canadian Paralympic Team. She will act as a mentor, a leader and an inspiration to the athletes. As part of the core leadership group supporting the Paralympic Team, the position is a volunteer role that demands dedication and a significant time commitment.
The Government of Canada recognizes that our Paralympic athletes are an enormous source of pride and inspiration for all Canadians and serve as excellent role models for our youth and for people with disabilities. We have maintained a record level of funding for the Canadian sport system-including our support for the Canadian Paralympic Committee, summer national sport organizations and Own the Podium-so that we can ensure our athletes reach the podium at every possible opportunity.
The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place from September 7 to 18, 2016, and will feature approximately 4,350 athletes from more than 160 countries. Canada expects to send a team of 170 to 200 athletes. Qualifications are ongoing and will be finalized in the summer of 2016.
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Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
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robert.lynch@sports.gc.ca