Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the Occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 8, 2014) -

Today marks the opening of the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games in Vancouver, British Columbia.

From July 8 to 12, 2014, more than 2,000 athletes with an intellectual disability from across Canada will compete in 11 sports. That makes this year's event the largest national Special Olympics Games ever.

Our Government proudly supports Special Olympics Canada and its athletes. This year, our Government will provide Special Olympics Canada with more than $4.5 million in funding. The Special Olympics movement is a tremendous example of the power of sport to enhance lives, change attitudes, and strengthen communities.

I would like to welcome all the athletes, coaches, and officials, as well as friends and family members of those in competition, who have come from across the country for these Games.

I wish everyone-especially our athletes-an enjoyable and rewarding Games.

For more information on the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, visit www.vancouver2014.com.

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