Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a youngster growing up, I played all kinds of sports: hockey, soccer. Now I coach. Sport is a big part of my life. Now I’m a stick boy for my two sons, Matthew and Mitchell, which I enjoy.
Today I would like to recognize what I call the new Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic. Since the sport circle started, it struggled as a new sport organization, never really receiving the same level of support and recognition of the other non-government sport and recreation associations. However, with new staff members Jan Larsson and Greg Hopf, the sport circle is becoming more prominent in the communities, and once again is sending a team to the North American Indigenous Games later this year.
Unfortunately, support of Team NWT for the 2006 NAIG games was reallocated to another event, and many youth were very disappointed. This is one example I spoke about in regard to the level of support. You would never see funding for the Arctic Winter Games or the Canada Summer Games team taken away and reallocated to other, smaller regional games.
However, the sport circle has regrouped, refocused, and is now gearing up for the biggest NWT NAIG team ever. Congratulations to Jan and Greg, who have been visiting our communities and doing all they can to raise the profile of the sport circle to the level it should be. In spite of limited support they continue to deliver many positive programs for youth, instilling hope and dreams along the way. The sport circle is lucky to have these dedicated, passionate and caring individuals.
In my riding, 27 athletes and participants from all four communities that I represent are on the Team NWT going to B.C. in August. This last winter, Mr. Speaker, there were over 60 participants.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.
Team NWT is going to B.C. in August. During the last winter, Mr. Speaker, 60 participants from the four Nunakput communities that I represent participated in the Aboriginal Sport Circle events and programs. These are very good numbers, especially with Nunakput being the furthest riding from downtown Yellowknife. This shows the efforts of the new Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, the sport circle is delivering many positive programs and events to many aboriginal youth who need positive alternatives. This government needs to recognize this and to start providing Aboriginal Sport Circle with the same level of support that it gives any other territorial sporting organization. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Jacobson. The honourable Member for Hay River South, Mrs. Groenewegen.
