Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulates Brian McKeever on winning gold at 2010 Paralympic Winter Games

March 15, 2010

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Brian McKeever, whose outstanding performance in the men’s 20-kilometre freestyle visually impaired cross-country skiing event was rewarded with Canada’s first gold medal at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
 
“The work and efforts of Brian McKeever have been magnificently rewarded,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “He showed all the concentration and skill required to win this historic gold medal.  We are proud to share in his achievement and we are grateful to him for doing credit to our country.  On behalf of all Canadians, congratulations.”
 
Mr. McKeever is a resident of Canmore, Alberta, and was born in Calgary.  With his brother and guide, Robin McKeever, he won seven Paralympic medals at previous Games.  Mr. McKeever also competes in able-bodied competition; he was the 2005 Canadian National Champion and qualified for the 2007 World Championships finishing with the top Canadian result.  At the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, Brian became the first Canadian selected for both the Olympic and Paralympic teams in the same year.
 
Cross-country skiing was introduced as a sport at the first Paralympic Winter Games in 1976 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.  Competitions are open to athletes with a physical disability or visual impairment.  Cross-country skiers use two basic techniques: classical and freestyle.  For more information about this sport, visit the website of the Canadian Paralympic Committee  .
 
The 2010 Paralympic Winter Games are being held from March 12 to 21.  More than 1,000 athletes and team officials from more than 40 countries are competing in a five-sport, 64-event competition schedule at venues in Vancouver and Whistler.  Canada is represented by more than 50 athletes at the competition.