OTTAWA, June 23, 2012 /CNW/ - I am pleased to join the Canadian Olympic Committee and the numerous athletes who are celebrating 2012 Olympic Day by taking part in this year's Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's Teddy Bears' Picnic on the grounds of Rideau Hall. By setting an example of how sport can help Canadians lead better lives and build better communities, our amazing Olympians are great role models for all Canadians.

Olympic Day was first introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894, at the Sorbonne in Paris. The goal is to promote participation in sport across the globe regardless of age, gender or athletic ability.

The Harper Government is proud to provide continued support for Olympic sports, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canada's amazing athletes, who are an enormous source of pride for all Canadians. As the largest single contributor to sport in this country, our Government supports sport participation and excellence from the playground to the podium.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I look forward to joining the millions of Canadians who will be cheering on our Team Canada athletes as they take on the world's best this summer in London.

SOURCE Canadian Heritage