Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Unknown to many of us, I imagine, is the fact that today has been declared Recreation Leaders Day. Our very own NWT Recreation and Parks Association is highlighting the contribution of recreation leaders in our Territory by declaring October 26th as Recreation Leaders Day.
Members of this House often speak of the importance and the need for programs and activities for our youth. They also give tribute to those residents in our communities who step up and provide the necessary programs and activities for our youth and for all residents of our communities.
Recreation leaders come in many shapes and sizes, Mr. Speaker. They are volunteers, they are professionals, they are young, they are old, they are male, they are female, they are people like the Yellowknife Snow King, they are our facility maintainers, they are Arctic Winter Games team coaches and Arctic Winter Games regional coordinators, they are Nordic walking instructors, they’re the teachers in our schools who open the gym at night so the kids can be active, the ones who lead the on-the-land camps, the ones who start music and craft groups after school. The list is endless. But all of these people have one thing in common: they willingly give of their time and expertise to further recreation activities for NWT residents; recreation activities which are indoors, outdoors, all seasons of the year. Each and every day our rec leaders provide invaluable community support in recreation and sport.
The value of participation in recreational activities is well known. Recreation, sport, fitness, arts, culture, parks, are all essential to personal, social, economic and environmental well-being. Engaging in recreational activities leads to happier, more positive lives for people of all ages. It provides healthy activities for our youth to keep them away from the unhealthy ones. It provides activities for our elders to keep them healthy, happy and young at heart.
The enthusiasm and leadership shown by our rec leaders makes huge contributions to the social and economic wellness of the NWT and to our communities. Rec leaders, through their actions, encourage all of us to achieve better health and well-being as individuals. The motto of the NWT Recreation and Parks Association is: Recreation for Life. Today we acknowledge those people who make sure that NWT residents can live up to that motto. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
