Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to extend best wishes to the 350 athletes, coaches and managers of Team NWT as well as the officials that will participate in the 2010 Arctic Winter Games taking place in Grande Prairie, Alberta, this March.
Young people from across the Northwest Territories have been preparing themselves physically and mentally for this biannual multisport games event. They have been spending many extra hours on the ice, in the gym, and on the trails readying themselves to compete against young athletes from around the circumpolar world and to display their talents to the many thousands of spectators.
While only some will come home with medals, all will return with new friendships and an experience that will last a lifetime. I wish to commend our young athletes who have set a goal to challenge themselves by being the very best that they can be at the games.
Mr. Speaker, as these athletes and cultural performers complete final preparations, I feel it is important that we acknowledge the monumental contributions that volunteers and parents make to support our youth.
Without the coaches, managers, referees, scorekeepers and the thousands of others who give freely of their time, there would be no Team NWT. These volunteers are the backbone of Team NWT and are deserving of a heartfelt thank you.
I would also like to thank community governments, who support their youth in so many ways by hosting selection and training events, and our sport and recreation partners who contribute tirelessly to the success of this event. These partners provide guidance and support, and organize the many selection events across the NWT that results in the final selection of Team NWT.
Mr. Speaker, as Team NWT completes final preparations before the opening ceremonies on March 6th, I wish to encourage our young athletes to continue to work hard to achieve their dreams. Congratulations to all and good luck. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Ms. Lee.
