Statement by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), on the occasion of the Opening Ceremonies of the 2011 Canada Games

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 10, 2011) - Over the next two weeks, more than 2400 athletes will compete in 20 sports for the right to claim the Canada Games Flag for their province or territory. The Games will also feature events for athletes with physical or intellectual disabilities: para-alpine, para-nordic skiing, wheelchair basketball, and Special Olympics figure skating.

The Canada Games are our country's largest domestic, multisport event. They bring together young athletes from every province and territory, and their tremendous talent and dedication to their sport are a source of pride and inspiration for Canadians of all ages. The Games will also bring direct economic, cultural, and social benefits to Halifax, to Nova Scotia, and to our country as a whole.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Government of Canada, and all Canadians, I would like to thank the Host Society, the Canada Games Council, the host communities, and the many volunteers who make these Games a success and, above all, to wish all our athletes the best of luck.