On behalf of B.C.’s official opposition New Democrats, I want to send best wishes to all of Canada’s athletes competing at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

And I want to say how especially proud I am of the 30 British Columbians who will be wearing Canada’s colours at the Games.

Women and men from every region in the province are in Russia as the Olympics begin today. Our athletes are competing across the athletic spectrum at the Games: speed skaters, downhill, freestyle and nordic skiers, biathletes, snowboarders, hockey players, figure skaters, sliders and bobsledders. All have been working hard their entire athletic careers, culminating in this chance to bring Olympic gold home to Canada.

Like me, British Columbians will be watching and cheering on our athletes. I’m proud to be among the chorus, saying “Go Canada Go!”