Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to announce here in the House that I have some 32 athletes who will be taking part in the Arctic Winter Games, 12 of whom are coming from Aklavik and 20 from Fort McPherson. Who says small communities can’t compete in the Arctic Winter Games?
Applause.
In the area of youth, there have been Jennifer Greenland and Bobbi Rose Koe participating in the Youth Ambassador program. Liz Wright will be coaching the male snowshoe team, Joanne Tetlichi will be coaching the female snowshoe team, and Wayne Greenland will be chaperoning the snowshoers. The snowshoe team consists of Aryn Charlie, David Kaye, Ashtyn McLeod, Janelle Wilson, Jeanetta Prodromid, Merle Robert and Rick Charlie.
Also, Mr. Speaker, Fort McPherson has its own family cross-country ski team, with Lynn Hanthorn and her children Sarah, Joel, Ruth and Anna, which makes up the Fort McPherson cross-country ski team. P.J. Roberts of Fort McPherson is in the Dene Games, along with Shayla Snowshoe of Fort McPherson. Stephanie Ross of Fort McPherson made the N.W.T. female hockey team again, which was an achievement in itself. Lorna Storr will be taking part in the Dene Games along with Crystal Koe, Karlyn McLeod and Joel Gordon.
Also, Inuvialuit drummers will be taking part in the cultural event: Jordan McLeod, Alex Gordon, Johnny Semple, Shayla Arey, Katelyn Storr, Julie Elanik, Mary Ruth Meyook and also Manny Arey.
So, Mr. Speaker, again, it gives me great pride to have the opportunity to announce these names in this House. “Go, team, go!” at the Arctic Winter Games. Thank you.
