Prime Minister Harper speaks at opening ceremony of Canada Summer Games

SHERBROOKE, Que. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and a host of dignitaries welcomed athletes from across the country at the opening ceremonies of the Canada Summer Games on Friday.

More than 2,100 athletes from every province and territory marched on to the field at the Universite de Sherbrooke’s football stadium.

Each delegation was led by a flag bearer, with host Quebec getting the loudest ovation.

Harper spoke briefly to the over 5,000 spectators in attendance, welcoming the athletes and telling them that no matter what part of the country they were from, they had the support of all Canadians.

A group of dignitaries helped carry the official flag of the Canada Summer Games in to the stadium.

The mayor of nearby Lac-Megantic, the site of a tragic rail derailment that claimed the lives of 47 people, got the loudest ovation of the flag bearers.