I am pleased to rise today and extend my very best wishes to the 350 athletes, coaches and managers who will make up Team NWT at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games being held here in Yellowknife from March 9 to 15.
For nearly a year now young people from across the Northwest Territories have been preparing themselves physically and mentally for this opportunity. They have been challenged along the way through regional and Territorial selections in order to achieve their goal of representing the Northwest Territories at this prestigious international celebration of sport and culture.
I congratulate all of the youth who have set these goals and challenged themselves to be the best through this process. Over 1,200 athletes and coaches attended the regional trials and over 819 will have attended the Territorials.
As these athletes move forward, I feel that it is important that we also acknowledge the monumental contributions that volunteers and parents make to support the youth. Without the coaches or referees or the track setters or scorekeepers or the thousands of others who give freely of their time, we would not be able to have a Team NWT. We owe these people our heartfelt thanks.
I also want to thank all of our sport and recreation partners who have contributed to this process. Our partners include the Sport North Federation and its member Territorial sport organizations, the Beaufort Delta Sahtu Recreation Association, the Mackenzie Recreation Association and the community governments who have hosted various selection events along the way. These partners have provided guidance and support and organized the many selection events across the Northwest Territories that have resulted in the final selection of Team NWT.
As Team NWT now goes through final preparations before the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Arctic Winter Games, I encourage them to continue to work hard and do their very best as always. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
