Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’d like to speak to a great event that combines both sport and the strong cultures, traditions and skills of people of the North, an event that brings our youth in connection with our elders and the leaders of the Beaufort-Delta. The opening ceremonies for the 2014 Northern and Dene Games Summit happened yesterday at East 3 Secondary School in Inuvik, which was followed by a community feast.
Over the next couple of days, 245 students from all of the Beaufort-Delta communities ranging from grades 6 to 12 will participate in activities that will test their speed, their strength and their agility. Some of the activities they will be participating in are such things as the one foot high kick, the bench reach, the stick pull and Dene hand games.
The summit was established a couple of years ago by the Beaufort-Delta Education Council and staff at the East 3 Secondary School with the number one goal in mind to instill greater pride in heritage. The summit allows for the carrying on of our great teachings, our great stories and the legacy of our traditional lifestyles. The event will also promote friendly competition, learning traditional skills from elders, fair play, sportsmanship and storytelling.
I would like to wish all of the participants the best of luck and be safe, but most of all have fun. I’d also like to say a big thank you to the organizers, the sponsors, teachers, chaperones, coaches and volunteers who continue to make this summit an ongoing success. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Moses. The Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
