Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I have the great honour to speak about a soccer tournament that was recently held in Fort Simpson, May 12 to 14. It is called the Paul Stipdonk Memorial. This is the third year this tournament was held in his name and the fourth year since it was developed. It is in the honour of this individual for his very active involvement in the community, region, and the Territories. Many who have known this individual has known him as a coach, teacher, volunteer, or recently before he passed away, as a bus driver. I am lucky to say that I have known this man and his family since moving to Fort Simpson until the day he passed away. He is sadly missed, but I know that he would be greatly honoured to have this tournament named after him. As a friend of mine recently, this Saturday, Michael Botterman, as we were talking, three grumpy men wind up in heaven and two are on the ground, we talked, and he said it is great to see Paul up there, watching us, encouraging the kids, and saying what a great tournament this is.
This tournament is very unique in the Northwest Territories. It is about partnerships. It is about the Mackenzie Rec Association, Municipal and Community Affairs using the regional youth sporting events, Thomas Simpson School, the village of Fort Simpson, Bompas and their staff. Also, what is unique about this tournament is that they do not keep track of scores or results. It gives the youth an opportunity to participate and interact with other youths from across the region. It is about playing the sport, developing new skills, and most importantly, having fun. As well, what is unique about this is it is all co-ed. It is U6, U8, U10, U12. It is about girls and boys playing together, having fun and enjoying the sport. The other unique thing is it is about capacity. As everybody has heard, I have talked about capacity of youth, the importance of it. This program, this tournament, is all about youth capacity. It is about young people coaching, young people refereeing, and young people chaperoning with mentors. I would like to ask unanimous consent to finish my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you. It was actually February 12 to 14, not May. I got excited. The communities that were involved were Fort Res, Fort Providence, Behchoko, Fort Liard, and Fort Simpson. But I would be remiss not to recognize these young individuals who helped out: Jordanna Snider, Tyler Lafferty, Jade Tesou, Faith Sibbetson, Nathan Rabesca, Charlene Brown, Newmoon Buggins, Nathanial Tetsu, Emily Hardisty, Akesha Hardisty-Norwegian, Michelle Yendo, Kayra Sanguez, Sahaznay Waugh, Marshal Nahanni-Kwansey, Mikala McLeod, Chase Berreault, Taeresha Berreault, and Arlene Wright. These people are great, involved people that are involved in the community. I would like to thank them very much. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
