Christmas and Holiday Season
Today, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) along with athletes issued the following statements in celebration of the Christmas and holiday season:
“To all members of the Canadian Olympic Family: Athletes; Coaches; Support Staff; National Sport Federations; valued Government, Performance and Marketing Partners; Board and Session Members; Volunteers; Staff; and of course the family, friends, media and fans whose support makes all that is achieved possible: thank you for what you have done to make 2012 such an outstanding year for high performance sport in Canada. Each of you has contributed your own gift to Canada’s Olympic movement and we could not continue our important work without you.
“As we look to the new year of 2013, and onward to Sochi in 2014, Toronto 2015 and Rio 2016, we know the road ahead is busy and exciting, as it always is in the world of Sport. It is also filled with hope for the excellent experiences and results to come.
“On behalf of the Canadian Olympic Committee, I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous 2013.”
–Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
“This Holiday Season I want to thank all of the Canadians who have supported the Canadian Olympic team. As Chef de mission of the 2012 Olympic Team competing in London, I look back on the year with great pride, and would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.”
-Mark Tewksbury, Chef de Mission for Canadian Olympic Team, London 2012
“As it is winter and Christmas season, my thoughts turn to the many Canadians on the road competing around the globe, some of whom will not make it home for this wonderful family time. It is not too great a sacrifice for our fine Canadian athletes to stay out on the road to be able to compete with the best, but my Christmas thoughts go out to them as they represent us all so very well. Happy Holidays everyone, and to all, especially our team, have a great 2013!”
-Chef Steve aka Steve Podborski, Chef de Mission for Canadian Olympic Team, Sochi 2014
“I want to wish a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Canadians that have continued to support their Olympic Athletes such as myself. I hope everyone has a safe and joyous holiday season. A special thanks to all of my fans … See you all in 2013!”
– Arjan Bhullar, Wrestling, London 2012
“Merry Christmas to all the fans of the Canadian Olympic Team. You help to make our dreams memorable with your continued support and encouragement. All the best in the New Year, may 2013 bring new dreams.”
– Melissa Bishop, Athletics, London 2012
“To all Canadians – May you have all the best of the Holiday Season. Thanks for your support and encouragement, it is much appreciated!”
– Rod Boll, Shooting, Atlanta 1996
“I want to thank all Canadians for showing so much enthusiasm toward their Olympic athletes. It means a lot to us and we’re proud to represent you. Special shout out to the kids at Brisban Public School in Orangeville -you guys rock.”
– Jeremiah Brown, Rowing, London 2012
“In the summer you wished me the best, this Christmas I wish you the best. Merry Christmas to all!”
– Andrew Byrnes, Rowing, Beijing 2008 / London 2012
“Thank you everyone for all your support! I wish you a Merry Christmas and an excellent year in 2013 filled with health, love and happiness!”
– Josee Corbeil, Volleyball, Atlanta 1996
“This holiday season I would like to thank all the athletes and those who support them for believing in the value of sport. Happy Holidays and good luck in 2013!”
– John Curtis, Sailing, Athens 2004
“A huge thanks to all Canadians that got behind our tremendous Olympic Athletes, didn’t we all enjoy the “show”? Merry Christmas and health and success to all, especially those trying to qualify to compete in Russia.”
– Ryan Grout, Aquatics, Rome 1960
“Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all those Canadians who have diligently and passionately cheered on our Olympians! Your support and passion push us to achieve more – and “giving our everything”! Have a wonderful holiday season, and all the best in 2013!”
– Jayna Hefford, Women’s Hockey, Nagano 1998 / Salt Lake City 2002 / Turin 2006 / Vancouver 2010
“For the holiday season I’d like to wish you the best of times with your family, friends, and your recreating. I want to thank you for your support of amateur athletes. Your support is so very appreciated, and integral to furthering Canada’s support of our amateur athletes who represent our country to the World, and who are role models for all Canadians. Thanks again and happy holidays!”
– Ryan Johnson, Skiing, Nagano 1998 / Salt Lake City 2002
“I would like to wish to all of you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holidays and a wonderful year in 2013. In this beautiful holiday season, I would like to thank all the fans for encouraging the Canadian athletes who are doing their best to proudly represent our country.”
– Denyse Julien, Badminton, Barcelona 1992 / Atlanta 1996 / Athens 2004
“Thanks again for all the cheers and support over the years – it will never be forgotten, and it makes a difference to our athletes every day. Happy holidays and a happy 2013 to all our fans!”
– Melanie Kok, Rowing, Beijing 2008
“As we approach the end of 2012, I would like to take the time to thank ALL the people who have supported the athletes in this Olympic year. I am particularly thankful to all the fans of Team Lessard/Martin; you gave me wings to realize my Olympic dream last August! You have helped me retire from active competition with the feeling I did my absolute best. THANKS A MILLION! Happy Holidays to all and may 2013 be as exceptional as 2012!”
– Marie-Andrée Lessard, Beach Volleyball, London 2012
“The Holidays always remind me of happiness and Joy which is what all our Canadian supporters and fans gave to me during my journey to the Games. Now it’s my turn to say Thank You for helping me make my dreams come true. Without you it couldn’t have been possible. I wish you and your families a Happy Holidays and hope that Santa’s good to you.”
– Tracy Little, Synchronized Swimming, Beijing 2008, London 2012
“Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your friends and family. Thank you for all the continued support throughout my Olympic journey. I wish you all health and happiness in 2013 and beyond. Go Canada!”
– Jesse Lumsden, Bobsleigh, Vancouver 2010
“In this holiday season, I would like to thank all the faithful fans of the Canadian Olympic Team; you inspire us! Live in the present and enjoy the people in your life, take time to enjoy their company. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ”
– Valerie Maltais, Speed Skating, Vancouver 2010
“With the year coming to a close, it’s a great time to reflect. I want to thank all you Olympic Fans out there who yelled at your TV screens and supported your Canadian athletes as we took on the World in London. May the holiday season bring you joy and your family close, and may all your dreams come true in 2013!”
– Darcy Marcquardt, Rowing, Athens 2004 / Beijing 2008 / London 2012
“In this Holiday season, I would like to say thank you to everyone who cheered us on as proud supporters of Canadian athletes. We are touched by all your encouragements, and you gave us wings! I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2013 year!”
– Annie Martin, Beach Volleyball, Athens 2004 / London 2012
“I’d like to thank all Canadians for providing such strong support for our Olympic athletes as well as for athletes competing at all other levels from recreational to elite programs. Without the support of people in my community who helped with coaching, fundraising and being loyal fans I never would have been able to participate at the levels I eventually reached. May you and your family and friends have a joyous holiday season!”
– Michael McLeneaghen, Soccer, Montreal 1976
“This year I was lucky enough to participate in Vancouver’s Rogers Santa Claus parade (as I participated in the 2012 London Olympics) and couldn’t believe the amount of support the Olympians float was getting, ’tis the season! I just wanted to personally wish you Happy Holidays – I am so incredibly proud to be Canadian and when my time won bronze this summer (women’s soccer) I couldn’t believe how many fans got behind us. Thank you for your support and making it an honour to do what I do every day!”
– Erin McLeod, Soccer, Beijing / London 2012
“I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year, and thank all you fans for cheering and supporting us Canadian Athletes over the years. It’s very special to us knowing you guys are behind us.”
– Ken Pereira, Field Hockey, Sydney 2000 / Beijing 2008
“Merry Christmas Canada! I am so proud to have represented our country at the Olympics this summer in London. Wishing you all an amazing holiday season and a healthy, active, happy new year!”
– Monica Peterson, Fencing, London 2012
“I’m saying thank you first to God, then to all the fans of Olympic sports, Merry Christmas, all the best in 2013. Everybody stay healthy, play sports, support our athletes, we are one big family, Go Canada Go! Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Thank you.”
– Khetag Pliev, Wrestling, London 2012
“I want to wish all Canadians a happy holiday season and warm memories to last throughout the coming year. Because of the Olympic Spirit you all hold in your hearts I have the support to work my hardest to make you all proud. Thank You so very much and I wish you all the Happiest New Year!”
– Adrienne Power, Athletics, Beijing 2008
“Thank you to all Canadians for helping make 2012 a very special year for me and my Men’s Eight Crew. Your cheers during the games and support upon our return has been outstanding! On behalf of my wife Robbi and two daughters, Brianna (5) & Peyton (3), we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best of luck in 2013!”
– Brian Price, Rowing, Athens 2004 / Beijing 2008 / London 2012
“Happy holidays to all of you together with your friends and family. Thanks a lot for your support throughout my career.”
– Sandra Sassine, Fencing, Beijing 2008 / London 2012
“To all our Olympic family and friends, thank you for all your support over the years. The Olympics was personally the highlight of my sporting career and it helps to have others join in that joy. Happy Holidays to all of you and may sport always be a part of your lives.”
– Joyce Slipp, Basketball, Montreal 1976
“Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Canada! It is the culmination of every person that makes up this incredible Nation which brings me such pride to call it home. It is during this time of year I try to take a moment to account for all the things that make me thankful and being Canadian makes me just that. So Thank You! May this season bring you and your family every reason to smile and be healthy!”
– Kelly Vanderbeek, Skiing, Turin 2006
“Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and wonderful holidays to everyone that has supported Canadian athletes this year. Happy New Year, too!
– Douglas Vandor, Rowing, Athens 2004 / Beijing 2008 / London 2012
