Sherbrooke, Quebec, Saturday, August 17, 2013

It is wonderful to be here in Sherbrooke for the closing of the 2013 Canada Summer Games.

And what fantastic games they have been!

I had the opportunity today to see some of the athletes in action, and I was impressed by what I saw. The skill and talent displayed, the team camaraderie shown, seeing athletes working together—it all took me back to my own days of playing university hockey.

Over the last two weeks, athletes from all across Canada have given everything they have; they should be very proud of what they have accomplished. They have made their coaches, their teams and their communities proud.

Now, after the contests have ended, after the pressures and thrill of competition have abated, we are here to say goodbye to new friends and to thank all those who have made these games a rousing success.

I would like to thank the organizers who have worked tirelessly to coordinate these games. This prestigious event was a success because of their dedication to sport and to physical activity.

My gratitude also goes out to the communities who hosted individual events. I commend everyone for what you have achieved.

In addition, I am grateful to the volunteers, numbering in the thousands, who helped to make these games possible. Through their actions here, they have shown the country not only that Canada supports its communities, but also that Canadians have great respect for their athletes.

Finally, it is the athletes themselves that I would like to thank, along with the coaches and trainers, all of whom were driven to succeed. Of course, this success could not have been achieved without the love and support of your families, who cheered on your efforts.

Your determination and spirit resulted in many exciting moments during the competition.

As a fan of sports of all kinds, I am delighted that these games have brought out the very best this country has to offer.

As you prepare to travel home, I hope that you will be proud of your accomplishments, and that you are leaving these games with fond memories—something we will all be taking away from the 2013 Canada Summer Games.

Thank you.