Photo Release/Flash Quotes - Canadian Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and builders receive Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals

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Jan 25, 2013, 20:28 ET

VANCOUVER AND OTTAWA, Jan. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, 70 of Canada's Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and builders gathered in both Vancouver and Ottawa to be honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Photo 1: http://tinyurl.com/avu8pfk
Ottawa area London 2012 Olympic athletes received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal today from Minister Gordon O'Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip.
Photo Credit: Canadian Paralympic Committee/Matthew Murnaghan

Photo 2: http://tinyurl.com/ac7k3k3
Ottawa area London 2012 Paralympic athletes received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal today from Minister Gordon O'Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip.
Photo Credit: Canadian Paralympic Committee/Matthew Murnaghan

Photo 3: http://tinyurl.com/bywgm6j
Ottawa area Paralympic coaches and builders received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal today from Minister Gordon O'Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip.
Photo Credit: Canadian Paralympic Committee/Matthew Murnaghan

Photo 4: http://tinyurl.com/b9mhuzw
Vancouver area London 2012 Olympic athletes received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal today from the Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Bal Gosal.
Photo Credit: Carmine Marinelli/Agence QMI

Photo 5: http://tinyurl.com/bfswz7s
Vancouver area coaches, athletes and Paralympic builders received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal today from the Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Bal Gosal.
Photo Credit: Carmine Marinelli/Agence QMI

Photo 6: http://tinyurl.com/bhx84jg
Vancouver area coaches, Olympic and Paralympic athletes and Paralympic builders received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal today from the Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Bal Gosal.
Photo Credit: Carmine Marinelli/Agence QMI

FLASH QUOTES

"Although this is a deep personal honour for Paralympians and Olympians, we are especially humbled that elite sport itself is being recognized today as a profound part of Canadian identity, worthy of celebration and pride."

Josh Vander Vies, London 2012 Bronze medallist, Boccia

"It's amazing. It's the highest award I could receive in Canada so I feel very special."

Mike Wilkinson, London 2012 Olympian, Rowing

"Everyone, whether born with their disability or whether they acquire it, deserves the right to feel the benefits of being active. If they eventually qualify for the Paralympics, let that be the cherry of top! I am honoured and will continue to promote the benefits of Paralympic sport well into the future."

Elisabeth Walker-Young, Builder/Athlete, Paralympic Swimming, 2004 Bronze medallist, 2000 Gold medallist (three-time), 1996 Bronze medallist; Assistant Chef de Mission, London 2012 Paralympic Team

"It is a great honour to be recognized for having helped the Paralympic movement grow in Canada. My 12-year involvement with the CPC is still inspired today by the Paralympic athletes who demonstrate on a daily basis that no hurdle is too difficult to overcome. They are true role models for our youth and proof that if you believe in yourself, you really can realize your dream.

Linda Sheehan, Community Programs Manager, Pfizer Canada Inc.

"It's a real privilege. It's not a small honour or something a lot of people experience. It's something you get to hold for the rest of your life."

Dorothy Ludwig, London 2012 Olympian, Shooting

"This is a great honour, and my Paralympic experience has been a highlight for me. London was my 20th National team: 17 with the able-bodied and three with the para program. It's the first time I have received such an honour.