Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided]
Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Winter Games are an amazing opportunity and unique privilege for northern youth. I especially want to recognize the participants from my riding who are competing in the following sports: Adam Nadli, Dene games; Mikaela Vandell, table tennis; Christina Bonnetrouge, badminton; Lois Philip, principal, who is attending as mission staff; Brandon Thom, NWT Youth Ambassador; coaches Jeremy Kielstra and Thorston Gohl. I understand at 2:30 today, at the Deh Gah School, I will be attending a send-off rally for the athletes. It is encouraging to see youth from all small communities on Team NWT. As my colleagues in the House have highlighted we need to do all we can to increase the number of athletes from small communities participating at the games.
The trip to Greenland is a major event for these young people. Many of us have never been to Greenland, and that has motivated many of you to train and compete with extra effort. That said, I also want to recognize and encourage the efforts of those who did not make it. I'm sure this was disappointing and may seem unfair. Most important, however, is that you keep playing. As the saying goes, you miss 100 per cent of the shots you don't take. You are still part of the competition and you have all the opportunity to practice your skills and try again. To this year's competitors I also want to say, after the games don't give up. The healthy lifestyle, self-discipline, and motivation that have come from striving for your personal best are what count the most at these Arctic Winter Games and every day forward. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
