Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the athletes, coaches, and youth ambassadors that are representing the NWT at the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland from my riding. However, before I do that, I need to thank their parents, coaches, and chaperones for all their help in getting them to the games. These folks spent hundreds, maybe thousands of hours, to help them get prepared. The Arctic Winter Games are great combination of athletic competition, celebration of friendship, sportsmanship, and fair play that shows the world how competition can be done with a northern flair. I've been very fortunate to know the athletes personally and witness their commitment to excellence. These young people have spent years getting ready for these games. I applaud them for all their hard work. I had the opportunity to speak to two of the athletes and they are very excited about representing the NWT as well as the community, region, and their families at the games.
I'd like to congratulate the following athletes: Kevin Anaviluk, commonly known as Kevin Roach to myself who's playing basketball and he's from Fort Simpson, and Sky Lennie, who is participating in the snowshoe biathlon, originally from Wrigley and now resides in Fort Simpson. I'd like to congratulate Ms. Valerie Gendron, the table tennis coach. Ms. Gendron is well known for her commitment to youth and now she's expanded to table tennis. As the Minister said in his Member's statement today, I have one of the 15 youth that was selected to be part of NWT Youth Ambassadors Program. As most people are aware, this is a great opportunity for youth development, and I congratulate the Minister and the government for developing this program. I would like to congratulate Melissa Pascua-Matte for being part of this year's Youth Ambassadors Program. I look forward to hearing their stories upon returning from the games.
Like the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, I would like to thank all the partners who contributed to the process for the past two years: Sport North, Territorial Sport Organizations, the Mackenzie Recreation and Parks Association, Beaufort-Delta Recreation Association, and various schools and recreation departments across the NWT.
In closing, I would like to wish the athletes, coaches, mission staff, youth ambassadors, parents all the best in the games. I envy you. All the best. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
