Gold for Canada in ice dance

Two Ontario figure skaters, Tessa Virtue from London and Scott Moir from Ilderton, have won a gold medal in ice dance at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The following statement was issued by Prime Minister Stephen Harper:

************************* Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulates Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir on Olympic gold medal

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, whose exceptional performance in the ice dance competition was rewarded with a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“Canadians are extremely proud to see Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir standing on the podium in Vancouver,” said the prime minister. “Congratulations to Tessa and Scott for taking home the gold medal in ice dance.”

Ms. Virtue was born in London, Ontario, where she currently resides.

Mr. Moir was born in London and resides in Ilderton, Ontario.

This is their first medal in their first Olympic Games.

They have skated together since 1997 and have won two world championship medals, a silver in 2008 and bronze in 2009.

They are also two-time Canadian champions and three-time medal winners at the International Skating Union’s Four Continents event.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games are being held from February 12 to 28.

Canada will be represented by more than 200 athletes who will compete in a 15-sport competition schedule at nine venues in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler.

More than 5,500 athletes, coaches and team officials from more than 80 countries are participating in these Olympic Games.

************************