Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), On the Presentation of the Big Splash Awards

TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - I'm very pleased that Swimming Canada, in partnership with CANSwim, is presenting the 2012 Big Splash Awards to recognize Canadians who have excelled in the sport of swimming at the international level this year.

Throughout the year, Canadian swimmers have made a name for themselves nationally and internationally.

The Government of Canada is proud to support Canadian athletes at all levels, including those who represented our country at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Our Canadian swimmers brought home four gold, nine silver and three bronze medals from the Paralympic Games, as well as a silver and two bronze medals from the Olympic Games. These athletes are outstanding role models for Canadians of all ages, and particularly for young Canadians.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. We are committed to working with Canada's sport organizations, like Swimming Canada, to support our athletes, and we are proud to promote Canadian sport excellence through programs and policies that contribute to athletic achievement in world-class competition.

As Minister of State (Sport), I would like to recognize all our athletes who are being honoured at the 2012 Big Splash Awards. Congratulations on this important achievement.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage