Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender issued the following statement today in recognition of the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games from Aug. 5-21, 2016, and Paralympic Summer Games from Sept. 7-18, 2016.

“Congratulations to all athletes, coaches and support staff representing Team Canada at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and in particular, the B.C. athletes who have trained at our world-class facilities.

“Our province is very proud of our high-performance athletes competing in Brazil and we are pleased to support a robust sport system with inclusive sport programs that promote participation and active living for people of all abilities.

“We are committed to our athletes, coaches and support staff and have invested more than $1 billion in sport since 2001, including $50 million this year alone.

“Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes are a source of immense pride in B.C., and we will cheer them on as they compete for their country and their province.

“I wish each of them success during the Olympic Summer Games in August and the Paralympic Summer Games in September.”