Torino, Italy, Friday, February 24, 2006

My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond, our daughter Marie-Éden and I are delighted to be here with you during the Torino Winter Games. Since arriving here this morning, we have been filled with a sense of pride. Pride in seeing our athletes excel and our Canadian delegation achieve such a daunting task. We very much enjoyed speaking with some of the teams, physicians, volunteers and trainers. I am pleased to see you here in Italy, this country that I love and know so well, having spent many passionate years here that have forever enriched my view of the world. I am so pleased to be back to take part in this gathering to celebrate fellowship among all peoples.

I simply could not wait to speak with the athletes, the women and men who give their all to these Games and embody the Olympic spirit. I had the privilege of speaking with many of them, and I was truly impressed by their commitment.

I also witnessed first-hand their remarkable strength of character. After years of discipline and training, these women and men are risking everything for their chance at Olympic glory. A fraction of a second can make the difference in a competition, can change the course of a career. In defeat as in victory, they carry themselves with dignity and honour. For that, I give them my deepest admiration.

What a wonderful example of courage, excellence and perseverance for all those who dare to dream and give their all to see that dream come true!

You, the representatives of the host city for the 2010 Olympic Games, know full well the drive and self-confidence—the vision—it takes to succeed; you convinced the entire world to choose you. In four years, all eyes will be on you. It will be your turn to give your all.

You hold a winning hand.

You succeeded in rallying the creative forces of our country and in working hand in hand with Whistler and all levels of government—no small feat, I can assure you.

Yours is one of the most multicultural cities on earth, a place where the entire world will feel right at home. What better place to welcome cultural dialogue and co‑operation?

What’s more, nestled between an ocean and mountains, your city gives rise to spectacular landscapes. Travelling the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, as so many visitors will do in 2010, is truly a delight.

Finally, to represent your city, you have elected a mayor who does not shy away from obstacles or back down from a challenge.

Mr. Sullivan, you will do us all proud when you receive the Olympic flag on behalf of your city, your province, and your country during the Closing Ceremonies of the Torino Games.

When you wave that flag, you will show the world that nothing is impossible for those who dream big and reach for the stars.

In a few days, when the floodlights in Torino are turned off, the countdown will begin for Vancouver and Whistler. And Canadians will again carry the flame and maintain a tradition dating back to the first winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France.

I for one, as governor general of Canada, will use every opportunity to promote your city as the host of the 2010 Winter Games. I will be visiting with you very soon to learn more about your challenges and your hopes.

You can be sure that in 2010, we will still remember the most exciting moments experienced here in Torino, and we will be happy to welcome peoples from around the world, as well as their sports and cultural elite.

Thank you and my best wishes go with you on this exciting adventure.

See you in Vancouver and Whistler in 2010!