WINNIPEG, MB - August 2, 2012 - Mayor Sam Katz today thanked all of Winnipeg's Olympic athletes for inspiring us with their performances in London and by achieving elite status in their chosen sports.
Winnipegger Janine Hanson won an Olympic silver medal as part of the Canadian women's eight rowing team earlier today. Mayor Katz reached Hanson in London to congratulate her and the rest of the Canadian team on achieving silver in the hard-fought race.
“I told Janine that all of Winnipeg is proud of her achievement,” said Mayor Katz. “Watching athletes who grew up in Winnipeg compete in these Olympic Games is a thrill. I hope these athletes are encouraged knowing that we’re all cheering for them back home.”
Mayor Katz also sends congratulations to Olympic athlete Clara Hughes, who topped off a brilliant Olympic career, including six medals, with an outstanding performance in the Olympic women’s cycling time trial yesterday, finishing fifth.
“It’s amazing to see these athletes go out and give everything they’ve got,” said Katz. “Clara Hughes is an outstanding role model for everyone in Winnipeg and all of Canada.”
Other Winnipeg athletes competing in the 2012 Olympics include Morgan Jarvis (rowing), Kevin Kowalyk (rowing), Nicole Edwards Sifuentes (athletics) and Desiree Scott (soccer). Scott will be competing with the Canadian women’s soccer team in the Olympic quarterfinals tomorrow.
The 2012 Summer Paralympics begin Aug. 29. Athletes competing with a Winnipeg connection include Rhea Schmidt (swimming), Colin Mathieson (athletics), Joey Johnson (wheelchair basketball), Meghan Montgomery (adaptive rowing) and Rob Cox (archery).