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Team Ontario Captures Flag And 158 Medals At 2005 Canada Games
TORONTO, Aug. 23 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is honoured to welcome
home Team Ontario athletes who captured their seventh consecutive Canada
Summer Games Flag in Regina on August 20, Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson
announced today.
"On behalf of all Ontarians, I am delighted to congratulate Team Ontario
on such a tremendous achievement. They have continued their lead in the
national sport arena," said Watson. "These dedicated, hardworking athletes are
excellent role models for kids and adults. We may not all make it to the
podium, but it's clear that by being more physically active, we can build
stronger, healthier communities."
Ester Akinsulie, winner of four gold track and field medals at the games,
was selected as the flag bearer at the closing ceremonies on August 20. An
Ottawa resident and five-time winner of the Female Athlete Award at her high
school, Ester is also the current 400-metre national champion.
Team Ontario took the overall medal lead at the Canada Games with 158
medals, including 63 gold, and receiving the most flag points. Athletes won
top medals in rowing, diving, softball, volleyball, tennis, cycling and
soccer, among many others. Josh Cassidy and Melanie Hawtin both won gold
medals in the 1500-metre wheelchair events.
"We are very proud of our athletes' achievements and the many personal
bests achieved during the games," said Team Ontario's chef de mission Dr. Gene
Sutton. "Capturing the flag is a testament to the determination and
outstanding efforts of our finest young athletes and their coaches. This was
truly a team victory with every sport focusing on top performances and
contributing to flag points."
Competitions for medals and personal bests took place from August 6 to
August 20, in 16 sports, including events for athletes with physical
disabilities.
The games are the largest national multi-sport event that advances sport
development for provincial-level athletes. The games were established through
a federal-provincial-territorial partnership and the first competition was
held in 1967.
Each provincial and territorial government is responsible for
coordinating the formation of a provincial/territorial team with the
assistance of the respective provincial-territorial sport organizations.
Provincial-territorial teams compete for Canada Games flag points that
are awarded for results in each sport. The province or territory with the most
points at the end of the two-week competition wins the Canada Games Flag.
Ontario has won the flag 12 out of the last 13 Games.
The Ministry of Health Promotion provides annual funding of $150,000 to
the Sport Alliance of Ontario (SAO) to coordinate the administration of Team
Ontario.
Disponible en français
www.healthyontario.com
www.active2010.ca
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For further information: Rui Manuel Estevao, Minister's Office, (416) 326-8497; Gary Wheeler, Communications Branch, (416) 325-8391
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