Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Winter Games were held in Grande Prairie, Alberta, March 6th to the 14th, in which many athletes took part. I would like to mention the athletes in the Mackenzie Delta riding who came home with a record number of ulus.
The representation of the games from my region was 39 individuals who represent the region. Mr. Speaker, they took part in dog mushing, snowshoeing, snowshoe biathlon, Dene games, female hockey, cultural events, volleyball, indoor soccer and cross-country skiing. I would like to congratulate each and every one of these athletes and all the athletes in the Northwest Territories that took part in the Arctic Winter Games. They demonstrate their commitment and also fair play.
Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Winter Games gives our athletes in small communities an opportunity to participate at the regional, territorial and national level and represent the Territory. The success that is given to our athletes and, more importantly, our communities, is not only the success of the individual but the communities they come from. With the commitment, dedication, community volunteers, family members and the many hours of volunteers it takes to assist our athletes to get to these games, I would like to thank each and every one of the individuals who took the time to support our athletes and the residents of the communities who assisted to ensure our athletes were able to take part in these games.
Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to congratulate all of the athletes from the Mackenzie Delta who came home with gold, silver and bronze ulus and wish them well as they move into their future years of competition. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Krutko. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
