As the 2014 Winter Olympics begin, the Province of Prince Edward Island would like to send congratulations and best wishes to our Island athletes competing in Sochi, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“Islanders are extremely proud of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes competing in Russia. No matter the outcome, these athletes are wonderful ambassadors for our province and for sport,” said Minister Currie.
Heather Moyse, a native of Summerside, is a part of the Canadian Women’s Bobsleigh team in Sochi. Moyse and her teammate Kaillie Humphries are the defending Olympic Champions in the two-man bobsled event. Moyse and Humphries just recently finished first overall in the World Cup circuit.
Billy Bridges, also a Summerside native, is a member of Canada’s Men’s Sledge Hockey team for the 2014 Paralympic Games. Billy has been on the National Sledge Hockey team since he was 14 years old and is a two-time world champion. This marks Billy’s fourth Paralympic Games. He was a member of the 2006 Canadian Paralympic Sledge Hockey team that won gold at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
Mark Arendz, from Springton, is a member of the Canadian Para-Nordic Team competing at the Paralympics. Mark began his competitive career in 2003 and he was a member of the National team that competed at the 2010 Paralympics Winter Games in Vancouver. This year, Mark has seen great success placing first overall in the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup Biathlon standings.
“Islanders are extremely proud of the hard work, determination and skill that Heather, Billy and Mark have exhibited in reaching their Olympic dreams,” said Minister Currie. “It is important to let them know that Prince Edward Island will be cheering them on from home. I hope that all Islanders will join me in wishing them all the best in Sochi!”