This morning a small crowd gathered at Ottawa’s Via Rail Station to wish athletes from Team Canada well for their upcoming trials at the Invictus Games in Toronto. Among those attending were Jody Mitic, ex-serviceman, double leg amputee, and current Ottawa city councillor, Walt Natyncyzk ,ex-Chief of Defence Staff now Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs, MP Karen McCrimmon (ex-service), Marc Garneau, ex-service now Minister of Transport, Ottawa-South MP John Fraser, and hosting the event, Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, CEO of Via Rail (also Honoury LCol of the Régiment de Maisonneuve).
In addressing the departing athletes, Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano noted that he was,
“… specifically inspired by the resilience and continue courage and determination that you have to represent Canada after that [military] service. And, therefore, I hope you all realize how you continue to be an inspiration, someone to look up to, heroes of Canada.”
Speaking to the group, Team Canada co-captain, MCpl (ret’d) Natacha Dupuis reminded everyone that,
“… what we need to remember is within our recovery there is hard times but together remember that there is hope and when you get the strength to keep on going there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
After well wishes from MP John Fraser, Minister Marc Garneau, and Councillor Jody Mitic, everyone continued to finish off the pastries and coffee supplied by Via Rail for the reception prior to boarding the train for Toronto.
To see all the pictures, CLICK HERE
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