Statement by New Democrat leader Jack Layton on Canada’s first medals at the 2010 Olympic winter games in Vancouver

Over the weekend we watched with pride as Canadian athletes not only won our first four medals of these games, but made history too.

Saturday, Kristina Groves started it off with a bronze medal in Women’s 3000 Metre Speed Skating, which was followed later in the day by Jennifer Heil’s nail-biting silver win in Women’s Moguls.

On Sunday, all eyes turned to Alexandre Bilodeau’s gold medal win in Men’s Moguls. This was not only the first gold of these games, but the first ever Olympic gold won in Canada. It was an amazing victory that will be remembered for years to come.

The next day Mike Robertson won silver in the Snowboard Cross, capping off the first three days of competition with an impressive performance.

Across the country Canadians are celebrating our athletes. Years of training, sacrifice and dedication to their sport has led them all Canadians to victory.

These were our first medals, but won’t be our last.

Once again, on behalf of New Democrats from coast to coast to coast, congratulations to the winners and all the competitors; you have not only inspired your fellow Canadian teammates but a whole country as well.

Go Canada Go!