Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the occasion of the Opening Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games

LONDON, England, July 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Today marks the official opening of the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games after much anticipation.

Tonight, our Canadian Olympic Team will march proudly into the Olympic stadium, led by our flag bearer and triathlete, Simon Whitfield , to join the more than 10,500 athletes representing 204 countries as they begin their journey to the podium.

Countless hours go into training for a competition of a lifetime, and our athletes are ready to show the rest of the world what Canada brings to the playing field.

Our Government is proud to support our ever- inspiring Canadian athletes, and, along with all Canadians across the country, we will be watching, cheering and believing, as our athletes compete for our great nation with the maple leaf close to their hearts.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage