Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to provide Members with information on the 2008 Arctic Winter Games Youth Ambassadors Program.
As Members may recall, in 2007 youth from across the Northwest Territories traveled to the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon. They were excellent representatives of our Territory.
Youth volunteered with the Host Society in a wide range of activities. They demonstrated that they have immense strengths and showed great promise as future leaders.
Building on the success of this project, the Yellowknife Host Society for the 2008 Arctic Winter Games has encouraged youth from all our communities to apply to be part of the 2008 Youth Ambassador Program. Selected youth are given an opportunity to volunteer with the Games’ cultural program and related events at a wide range of venues in and around Yellowknife. They will also be provided with specialized training and be given an opportunity to enjoy other Games’ events.
The Arctic Winter Games require a significant amount of volunteer support. The willingness of the selected youth ambassadors to assist will ensure that the Games are a success and provide these youth with an exciting volunteer experience.
I am pleased that the government has been able to support this worthwhile initiative with funding from the Youth Corps Program. Opportunities like this will help to build future leaders among today’s youth, while ensuring that the Arctic Winter Games are a success.
