Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Snow is on the ground and the land and waterways are freezing up. While some of us may grumble about the onset of winter, there are many of us that are celebrating. Snow is a playing field for many Northerners. The Yellowknife Nordic Centre is just such a playing field, and many Yellowknifers are waxing their skis to get going once again in the sports of skiing and biathlon.
This Saturday the Yellowknife Ski Club is kicking off the new season with the Annual Snow Show. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the chalet will be a hive of activity as people sign up for programs, get advice on equipment, bid on silent auction offerings, buy some goodies at the bake table and get real steals on used skis.
This year, 2012 Olympian Denise Ramsden will be at the Snow Show to share stories of road cycling on the streets of England this past summer, and of growing up in Yellowknife learning to ski on our trails and speed skate at our arena.
The Yellowknife Ski Club has over 570 members and it’s the largest sport and recreational club in the NWT and the largest volunteer-run recreational facility in northern Canada. For 45 years the club has been maintaining ski trails, providing facilities and programs, and helping kids learn to ski.
The Ski Club offers programs for all ages and for all skills and abilities, from the youngest bunny rabbit to master skiers. The Ski Club has something to offer for everyone.
This Saturday the many dedicated coaches and program coordinators will be on hand to answer any questions and explain their programs. Events include competitions and social activities such as NWT Ski Day in February and, a first for Yellowknife, World Snow Day in January. I challenge everyone to make this winter more active and to get outside to enjoy our great outdoors.
But why dwell on this? The fact is that our communities thrive with the support of community groups such as the Yellowknife Ski Club and all those active community groups across our territory. Our families benefit, and I offer a hearty thanks to those groups and leaders for providing these great services.
The board of directors of the Yellowknife Ski Club asked me to invite all Members and the community to attend the Snow Show at Yellowknife’s Nordic Centre this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., and I know Denise would enjoy an opportunity to say hi to all as well. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
