Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulates Josh Dueck on winning silver at 2010 Paralympic Winter Games

March 14, 2010

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Josh Dueck, whose outstanding performance in men’s slalom sitting was rewarded with a silver medal at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
 
“I would like to congratulate Josh Dueck on his outstanding medal-winning performance,” said the Prime Minister.  “Josh’s dedication and commitment are an enormous source of pride and inspiration for all Canadians.”
 
Mr. Dueck was born in Kimberley, British Columbia, and now lives in Vernon, British Columbia.  He is a four-time Canadian champion and was crowned the 2009 IPC World downhill champion.  This is his first medal in his first Paralympic Games.
 
The first Alpine skiing events were held in 1976 at the first Paralympic Winter Games in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.  The sport is open to men and women with a physical disability or visual impairment.  Alpine ski events include downhill, slalom, giant slalom and super giant slalom (super-G).  For more information on 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.