Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Happy New Year. Welcome back, and welcome back to all my colleagues. It’s good to be back.
My statement today celebrates the one resource that all Northerners have in abundance: snow.
World Snow Day was established by the International Ski Federation as part of an international campaign called Bring Children to the Snow. The second annual World Snow Day took place just last month, on January 20th, the same day that Mr. Gilday achieved his excellence, so it’s fairly fitting.
Four hundred thirty-five organizers in 39 countries staged events this year that brought children and their families into a friendly, fun environment to celebrate all things snow. Yellowknife joined this year’s World Snow Day with a series of snow-related events, all free of charge. From what I witnessed and from what I read, the day was a tremendous success. Many Yellowknifers were able to try out a winter sport for the very first time, and were able to do that in a supportive, friendly, but chilly environment. It was 30 degrees that day; minus, of course.
In spite of the cold, it was a community celebration involving many volunteers and partners. Our local schools donated ski equipment to the Yellowknife Ski Club for the day. The Yellowknife Ski Club had many experienced skiers and volunteers on hand to help with 127 people who came to try out snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The NWT Board Sport Association donated equipment, time and volunteers at the Bristol Pit with approximately 10 snowboarders there. The Great Slave Snowmobile Association offered a day of free riding, and the ice rink on Frame Lake at Somba K’e Park was open. At least three local businesses, the Smokehouse Cafe, Overlander Sports and Kavanaugh Brothers Ltd., donated their time and services for the day, and Yellowknife author Jamie Bastedo gave a talk about snow.
Other NWT communities had impromptu events as well, and for a second year, Fort Smith had the Muffaloose Stomp and Glide, a ski and snowshoe event along the Slave River.
The Yellowknife World Snow Day Committee is already planning for the third annual Snow Day in January of 2014. Hopefully, more NWT communities will join in next year’s celebrations. After all, winter is one of our best resources. No matter what the temperature, people should get out there and enjoy it. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.
