Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the 2012 Arctic Winter Games. This year the games are being held from March 4th to 10th in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Since 1970, the Arctic Winter Games have been bringing people from the circumpolar region together every two years for a celebration of sport and culture. We are proud to once again participate in this event.
This year more than 970 athletes from 26 communities tried out for Team NWT during the territorial trials. Of that number, 680 participants were from outside Yellowknife, confirming that there is broad interest and excitement for the Arctic Winter Games across the territory.
Team NWT, composed of 350 players, coaches and managers, will join over 1,900 other participants from the teams that will represent Alaska, Yukon, Alberta North, Nunavut, Greenland, Nunavik–Quebec, Sapmi and Yamal.
I would like to thank the Sport North Federation, their member organizations, the regional coordinators and the countless volunteers who organized the regional and territorial trials selection process. Their collective efforts have once again made it possible for young athletes to participate in sport and to be connected to a special event like the Arctic Winter Games.
I would also like to thank the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the NWT Parks and Recreation Association, the Beaufort-Delta Sahtu Recreation Association, the Mackenzie Recreation Association, community recreation workers as well as the physical education teachers in NWT schools, who along with parents and volunteers provide the sport and recreation opportunities at the local level, that give our young people that first step towards trying out for the Arctic Winter Games.
The whole process of selecting and sending a team to the Arctic Winter Games supports the goals of the 17th Legislative Assembly related to sustainable, vibrant, safe communities.
I also wish to profile our new NWT youth ambassadors who are accompanying Team NWT to Whitehorse where they will make their contribution to the celebration of northern culture and sport excellence.
The Youth Ambassador Program is founded on the principle that a guided and structured volunteer experience throughout the year, coupled with volunteer participation in major events, can develop significant life and job skills and build the confidence necessary for youth to deal with complex challenges.
As part of our commitment to the development of youth leadership and increasing volunteer capacity in our youth, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is sending 24 youth ambassadors to volunteer with the host society.
These young leaders are busy preparing for their meaningful roles during the games and I know they will proudly represent their communities and the NWT.
I invite all Members to join me in wishing Team NWT and the NWT youth ambassadors the very best of luck at the 2012 Arctic Winter Games.
