Prince George, British Columbia, Sunday, March 1st, 2015

Hello, Prince George!

Hello, Canada!

The finish line’s almost in sight!

It’s such a privilege to be here at the closing of the 2015 Canada Winter Games during this, the Year of Sport in Canada.

Let’s look at some numbers:

2,400 athletes;

1,000 coaches and officials;

4,500 volunteers, thousands of visitors and one proud Canadian governor general!

I want to acknowledge and congratulate the Lheidli T’enneh (Klate-lee-Ten-eh) people. You have made history as the first-ever Canada Games Official Host First Nation!

My thanks and congratulations also go to all of the volunteers, organizers and supporters on a job very well done.

You are the heart and soul of these games. From the time Prince George was announced as host city, you’ve given your all.

Every single one of you is a champion of these winter games!    

Last, but certainly not least, I want to congratulate all of the remarkable athletes who worked so hard to be here.

Let me say one word about your performances: wow.

I am so inspired by you. By your athleticism. Your sense of fair play. Your pursuit of excellence.

You are Canada’s very best, and you make us so proud!

I know the huge amount of hard work and dedication it takes to compete at this level.

I also know the tremendous amounts of time and energy it takes to hold an event of this size.

All of you have made sacrifices to be here, and I thank you on behalf of all Canadians.

The Canada Winter Games have been such a wonderful coming together of all that is good about our country.

Diversity, fair play, excellence—all were on display in Prince George over the past 18 days.

I am proud to participate in these closing ceremonies. Congratulations everyone on an outstanding winter games!

Thank you.