Statement: COC celebrates 40th anniversary of Montreal 1976 Olympic Games
MONTREAL — Today, the Canadian Olympic Committee released the following statement, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games.
“On May 12, 1970, Canadians rejoiced when Montreal was selected, over Moscow and Los Angeles, to host the Games of the XXI Olympiad. July 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of these first Olympic Games on Canadian soil and provides the COC with the opportunity to reflect on the impact that they have had on our country and our sport community. In just a few weeks, as Canadian athletes walk into Rio’s Olympic Stadium, they will stand tall on the shoulders of those who have come before them, going right back to that night on July 17th, 1976, the moment when the Olympic flame was ignited in Canada. It has certainly shone bright ever since.
“As a member of Canada’s Olympic Team at those Games, I remember clearly the impact Montreal 1976 had not only on myself and my rowing teammates, but on the entire country. I am where I am today because I had a dream to be an Olympian for Canada. Thank you Montreal for starting a movement and lighting the flame that has continued to transform our country.”
Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee