HONOURING NATIONAL TEAM MEMBERS FROM SASKATCHEWAN

Sixteen of Saskatchewan's national team members from the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy were honoured at the provincial Legislature today.

The team members were each introduced to the Legislative Assembly, and were later presented with Saskatchewan Centennial Medals by Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock. Premier Lorne Calvert presented each team member with a gift of traditional Cree artwork on behalf of the province.

"These women and men represented Canada and Saskatchewan on the world stage, and thrilled us all with their athleticism, sportsmanship and competitive spirit," Calvert said. "We are proud of their remarkable accomplishments - achieving the level of excellence necessary to represent our great country in their chosen sports."

"I can only imagine the many long hours that our athletes spent at the gym, in the weight room, at hockey rinks and speed-skating ovals, hurtling down training runs for the bobsleigh and luge, and building endurance on cross-country ski courses," Calvert said. "They were aided in their quest by equally dedicated coaches, physical therapists, mission staff, team services officers and other team members."

Canada's national teams for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and 2006 Paralympic Winter Games had a total of 27 members from Saskatchewan.

More information on Saskatchewan's national team members can be found on the Canadian Sport Centre Saskatchewan web site at http://www.sasksport.sk.ca/csc-sk/torino_olympics.html.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jay Branch Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-6349