Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I open this winter session very happily by reporting on the tremendous achievement of Weledeh speed skating marvel Michael Gilday, Canadian National Men’s Short-track Speed Skating Champion.
On January 20th Michael edged out the reigning Canadian champion to take the championship title. With that win, he qualifies to compete in his third World Championships competition later this year.
Given time constraints, I will mention just some of the spectacular accomplishments racked up by Michael since his first Gold ulu as a juvenile at the Arctic Winter Games in 1998. He is the present Canadian world record holder in the 1,500 metres, held the 1,000 metre world record from 2007 to 2009, and was the 500 metre Canadian record holder from 2009 to 2011. He was a member of the World Championship Canadian Men’s Relay Team in 2011 and the world record-setting men’s relay team in 2012.
Since his first World Cup event in 2006-2007, he has competed in 23 World Cup events, with a record of one Gold, four Silver and two Bronze medals. He has been a member of the Canadian National Speed Skating Team since 2008.
This past weekend Michael competed at this year’s fifth World Cup event in Sochi, Russia, and is now preparing for the last World Cup races of the season this weekend in Dresden, Germany. He returns to Europe for the World Championships in Debrecen, Hungary, in early March.
Michael will begin preparations in August for the Canadian Olympic trials. We look forward to him carrying his record-breaking streak forward to next year’s Winter Olympics in Sochi.
What a record! Michael Gilday shows how an individual can take on the world and win. Michael has the gift of talent, yes, but he also has the guts and determination, the advantages of excellent coaching and program support, the perseverance to overcome broken bones and get back at it, and the blessings of a supportive and inspiring family and community that have made him a world-class champion. He has written the name Northwest Territories in the rolls of international achievement and continues to make us all proud.
I ask you to join me in saluting this latest fabulous achievement and wishing Michael all the best. On to the Olympics!
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
