PRIME MINISTER HARPER CONGRATULATES CANADIAN ATHLETES ON OLYMPIC MEDALS

StarBuzz, Toronto-

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Roseline Filion and Meaghan Benfeito, Antoine Valois-Fortier, and Christine Girard on their bronze medals at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate divers Roseline Filion and Meaghan Benfeito, judoka Antoine Valois-Fortier and weightlifter Christine Girard on their bronze medals in the Women’s Synchronized 10-metre, Men’s Judo Half-Middleweight (81kg) and Women’s Middleweight (63kg) events”, said the Prime Minister. “Through their hard work and determination, they have proudly represented Canada on the world stage.”

 Roseline Filion and Meaghan Benfeito were born in Laval and Montreal, Quebec, respectively, where they still reside. This is the second time the duo has participated in Olympic Games, having competed at the 2008 Games in Beijing. This marks their first Olympic medal. So far in 2012, the duo has won silver medals in the 10-metre synchronized event at the FINA World Cup and at the Senior National Championships.

Antoine Valois-Fortier was born in Quebec City and resides in Montreal, Quebec. The London 2012 Games mark his first participation in the Olympics, and this is his first Olympic medal. Mr. Valois-Fortier also represented Canada at the 2012 and 2011 Pan American Championship where he won the silver and the bronze, respectively.

Christine Girard was born in Elliot Lake, Ontario, and resides in White Rock, British Columbia. This is her first Olympic medal – having previously represented Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games inBeijing – making her the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal in weightlifting. Ms. Girard is a two-time medalist at both the Pan American Games (2011 and 2007) and the Commonwealth Games (2006 and 2002).

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are being held from July 27 to August 12 in London, United Kingdom.Canada is being represented by more than 275 athletes who are competing in a 26 sport program scheduled around London. More than 10,500 athletes, coaches and team officials from at least 200 countries are participating in these Summer Olympic Games.