Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to recognize the achievement of one of my young constituents of Yellowknife South, Kristin Chapman.
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Kristin recently travelled with her fellow NWT representatives to the Youth Bowling Canada National Championships in Toronto from May 2nd to the 4th. Kristen brought home the Gold Medal as the Bantam Girls 5-pin Singles National Champion.
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During the three-day event, Kristin bowled a total of 20 games, which works out to two games each against the 10 other provincial and territorial champions. She compiled a record of 14 wins and six losses, edging out the silver medalist from southern Ontario by one point. Kristin also took home a plaque for high single during the event with a 232 total in a match against British Columbia. That was a pretty impressive weekend’s work for a nine-year-old.
To put her achievement into perspective, there are currently over 23,000 bowlers registered across Canada in Youth Bowling Canada programs. The Northwest Territories has two such programs: one in Hay River and one in Yellowknife. Provincial and territorial champions travel each year to the national championships to compete in three divisions: Bantam, Junior, and Senior.
While many of the larger jurisdictions have had much success at this event, the Northwest Territories traditionally goes in as underdogs. Kristin also had the distinction of being the only Bantam girl who was a two-handed bowler. As such, many of her competitors appear to have underestimated her and she set out to prove them wrong.
The third time was the charm for Kristin as she finished last and second last in the first two times she attended the nationals, so she understandably had modest expectations. However, the experience allowed her to remain calm and avoid the nerves that overtook many of her competitors. Going into the final day she had a very slim lead over second place Alberta and third place Southern Ontario, both of whom she had to play to earn the gold.
Kristin’s greatest strength was that she was able to raise her game when it really counted. She went into the late stages against both Southern Ontario and Alberta and won both matches with clutched final frames to secure the wins. This young lady has nerves of steel.
She was also recognized by the other competitors and parents alike for her happy, smiling demeanour and sportsmanship…
Mr. McLeod, your time for Member’s statement has expired.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted.
Kristin has made the Northwest Territories proud with both her wonderful achievement and her great sportsmanship. Congratulations, Kristin.
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