Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to take a moment to reflect on our incredible event that our Commissioner Tuccaro, our Premier, our sports Minister, four MLAs and, of course, you, Mr. Speaker, who attended the Sport North Federation Annual Awards Banquet this past Saturday night. What an honour it was to be amongst some of the most gifted athletes in our territory and share ideas with some of the strongest supporters of amateur sports.
Of course, we were in attendance to recognize athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers for their performance and contribution to sport in the NWT. These awards are no doubt a valuable role in supporting athletic success and recognizing the NWT’s growing talent.
I would like to take a moment to once again recognize Sport North Federation award recipients for 2012:
Youth Female Athlete: Madison Piling for speed skating;
Youth Male Athlete: Isaac Wideman for speed skating;
Coach of the Year: Shane Clarke for speed skating;
Community Contributor: Valerie Gendron;
Official of the Year: Doug Swallow.
Of course I’m going to be biased for the next one as obviously I had some dealings with coaching this individual, Junior Female Athlete: Cassey Mooney for swimming;
Junior Male Athlete: Christopher Lirette for biathlon;
Corporate Contributor: First Air;
Senior Male Athlete: Bernie Bennett;
Contributor to Sport: Shane Thompson;
Of course the members of this team are in Range Lake, Team of the Year: Team Koe for their outstanding performance at this year’s Briar.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, let’s once again congratulate this year’s awards recipients and praise all the hard work for the people of the Northwest Territories who dedicate their time to amateur sport and fitness.
Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. The honourable Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
