Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada marking the closing of the 2015 Pan American Games

Ottawa, Ontario — Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the closing of the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games:

“Canada welcomed the hemisphere to the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and I am pleased to say that they were a tremendous success.

“The competitions and cultural activities that took place during the Games brought the countries and territories of the Americas and the Caribbean closer together, forging lasting bonds of friendship, and showcased Canada’s active membership in the hemisphere.

“Our Canadian athletes won a record 217 medals, including a record number of gold medals, and provided us with terrific moments in sport that inspired fervent national pride from coast to coast to coast. The Games were an incredible example of the athletic excellence that has been at the centre of the Year of Sport 2015 in Canada.

“I have to make special mention of Kia Nurse, Canada’s flag-bearer at the closing ceremony and leading scorer for Canada’s women’s gold medal-winning basketball team. I also commend our Canadian athletes who broke a total of 12 Pan American Games records.

“On behalf of Canadians, I would like to congratulate all teams participating in this year’s Games on their efforts and thank them for providing Canadians and the hemisphere with memorable moments in sport. I would also like to thank the organizers and volunteers who played an important role in ensuring that all events were run smoothly and professionally.

“Canada also very much looks forward to welcoming athletes from across the hemisphere to the upcoming Parapan American Games taking place in Toronto and surrounding communities from August 7 to 15, 2015.”