Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to extend best wishes to Team NWT’s 120 athletes, coaches and mission staff...
---Applause
...who will be participating in the 2011 Canada Winter Games being held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from February 11th to 27th.
The Canada Games are an important event that demonstrates the benefit of healthy, active living. The GNWT continues to provide funding for NWT youth to participate in multisport games as a way to encourage youth to be physically active and achieve this Assembly’s goal of healthy, educated people.
Our athletes have been preparing themselves physically and mentally for these games. They will compete in biathlon, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, hockey, speed skating, snowboarding, judo, badminton, squash and gymnastics. All have spent countless hours training hard in preparation for what will be the pinnacle of their sporting careers to date.
The hard work and long hours put in by the athletes and coaches in preparation for the Canada Games is worthy of our recognition and applause. Not only do these athletes represent the Northwest Territories on the national stage but they are also excellent, healthy, lifestyle role models for the entire North.
The hard work of Team NWT’s athletes could not be accomplished without the behind-the-scenes
efforts and support from members of their communities. The extra hours of preparation, the fundraising, the organizing and support from family members are all critical to the athletes’ experience and ultimately their success. To all of those behind-the-scenes -- volunteers, parents, staff, schools and community governments -- thank you.
As Team NWT sets out for Halifax as ambassadors for the North, I wish to commend them for their efforts and, whether or not they come home with medals, let them know that they will return better for the experience, with new friendships and experiences that will last a lifetime.
The Government of the Northwest Territories is working hard to build our future by promoting healthy and active living among children and youth. Improving the physical and mental well-being of our youth will create healthy, educated Northerners as envisioned in the 16th Assembly’s vision of Northerners Working Together.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Lafferty.
