Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Winter Games were held in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo from January 29th to February 4th. We witnessed approximately 2,100 participants, coaches, admission staff, and officials from eight contingencies attend these games.
Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud to have three athletes, two coaches, and one youth ambassador from the Nahendeh riding represent the Team NWT at these games. We had three athletes from Fort Simpson, Mariah Tanche Hannah, who skated in the juvenile category. She skated personal best times in all four distances and was part of the juvenile girls gold ulu relay team. I'd like to thank Mariah's mom Joseanne Kenny who travelled to the games to support her daughter and stepped up and volunteered as a place judge for the competition.
Peyton Bennett is a juvenile skater who was called up to skate in the junior category where another skater was injured. Peyton did a great job and had skated personal best every time she stepped on the ice. She also won a gold ulu as a member of the relay team.
Brittany Kendo was a junior badminton player. She gained experience every time she stepped onto the court. This will help her as she prepares to play at the Canada Games in a few weeks. Her parents Lucy Ann and Kevin travelled to the games to support their daughter.
I can tell you their hard work, determination, and dedication to their sport was very inspiring. I know that they were very proud of their accomplishments, true to the slogan for the games, "Time to Shine." These three athletes did exactly that.
Like athletes, youth ambassador representative had a great time being part of the volunteers at these games. What I seen was Elizabeth Nelson, from Fort Liard, always ready to go and take on the task assigned to her by the host society and leaders. I know in speaking with her she had an amazing time and will encourage others to sign up for future events.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I'd like to thank Madison Philling and Val Deneron who were the male coaches for Team NWT speed skating, and their continued support for our youth in the region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Members' statements. Returns to oral questions. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that we're joined today by Captain Jason Brinson of the Salvation Army in Yellowknife, where they provide invaluable services to the vulnerable population in food hampers all the way through to withdrawal management and sheltering. Thank you.
Thank you. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to recognize Kam Lake resident Karen Patterson Wiley who has joined us in the gallery today. Thank you.
