News release

Premier Honours Nova Scotia Olympians, Paralympians at Event

Premier's Office

Athletes who represented Nova Scotia at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were recognized and celebrated at an event at Province House today, Oct. 27.

"I want to thank our Olympians and Paralympians for representing our country and our province in Rio. You made us very proud," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "You inspire people to try harder, be better and push further. And our province is better for it."

Nine Nova Scotian athletes competed in the Olympic Games, Aug. 5-21, and seven athletes took part in the Paralympic Games, Sept. 7-18.

One of Nova Scotia's Paralympians is Scott Lutes, who began competitive sailing in 2007. In 2011, he became a full-time member of the three-person Sonar sailing team. This year, in Rio, Mr. Lutes, along with fellow Nova Scotian Paul Tingley and Logan Campbell, from Saskatchewan, brought home a bronze medal in Sonar sailing.

"Nova Scotia has a rich history of sailing," said Mr. Lutes. "Thank you to the Government of Nova Scotia for being part of our Paralympic sailing journey."

Halifax gymnast Ellie Black made Canadian Olympic history, finishing fifth in the all-around competition in women's artistic gymnastics.

"I am very fortunate to represent such a great province and country," said Ms. Black. "The support we receive is like no other. Locally, there is such a great sense of community and belonging. When we compete, we feel that the whole of Nova Scotia is behind us and cheering us on to do the best we can for Canada."

Nova Scotia's Olympians:

  • Eric Gillis, marathon
  • Mark de Jonge, men's K-1 200m (sprint)
  • Genevieve Orton, women's K-2 500m (sprint)
  • Ryan Cochrane, men's K-2 200m (sprint)
  • Ellie Black, women's artistic gymnastics
  • Erin Rafuse, women's 49er FX, sailing
  • Danielle Boyd, women's 49er FX, sailing
  • Graeme Saunders, men's 470, sailing
  • Jacob Saunders, men's 470, sailing

Nova Scotia's Paralympians:

  • Paul Tingley, sailing
  • Scott Lutes, sailing
  • Devin Gotell, swimming
  • Danial Murphy, swimming
  • Jamey Jewells, wheelchair basketball
  • Pamela LeJean, F53 shotput
  • Jillian MacSween, goalball

Nova Scotia's coaches:

  • Lisa Ross, sailing
  • David Kikuchi, gymnastics
  • Heather Hennigar, athletics
  • John MacPherson, table tennis

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