Colleagues, on May 24th and 25, Sport North held its Annual General Meeting and their annual Sport North Awards Banquet on the last day of the meetings. I can tell you; I was invited to attend the Banquet as a guest of one of the award winners. I can say the evening event was a huge success. The banquet brought together athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters from across the Northwest Territories to celebrate the remarkable achievements in sport over the past year. The awards play a valuable role in supporting athlete success and recognizing the NWT's growing talent.
Upon getting there, I realized that there were several friends that were receiving awards that event.
Janie Hobart received the Delma Kisoun Memorial Community Contributor Award.
Janie was nominated by NWT Curling. I have known her and worked with her over the years. She was and still is committed to the development of sport and recreation for the NWT. With the Mackenzie Recreation Association, she spearheaded the annual Lawrie Hobart Memorial Volleyball Tournament which is hosted in Fort Smith. The scariest thing is when Janie comes to you and says she has an idea, because nine out of ten times you'll ended up doing it regardless.
Shari Olsen received the Dennis Crane Memorial Official of the Year Award. She was nominated by Table Tennis North.
Like some of you here, I have known Shari for a long time. As fellow athletes in softball, we got together at various events throughout the years. At the Arctic Winter Games, I ran into her and asked her what she was doing there, and she said she was officiating. I assumed it was for figure skating, but I was wrong. It was for table tennis. When I asked her why, her response was I wanted a new challenge and officiating table tennis was this. She spoke about the sport and what it brought out of her.
Rowe's Construction received the Corporate Contributor of the Year where they were nominated by Table Tennis North.
This company has offices in Hay River and Fort Simpson. The amazing thing about this company, they have been and always been about giving back to the communities including places where their company do not have staff. I can tell you they have been responsible for helping building ball fields, golf courses, referees and changing rooms, sponsoring teams, events and fundraising activities.
Jaicee Tsetso was one of the Members of the Team of the Year - Arctic Winter Games female basketball team. This team went undefeated throughout the whole tournament and winning the first gold medal, beating the powerful team of Alaska in the final game - the first time in 50 years.
Colleagues, I have included three of the award winners' nominations in my speech today however reflecting of the time, I will deemed it as read.
In closing I would like to echo Bill Othmer, the executive director of Sport North's final words: The awards banquet is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our territorial sport organizations. Each recipient has shown exceptional commitment and passion, and it is a privilege to recognize their achievements. We are inspired by their stories and motivated to continue supporting their journeys.
Congratulations to all the award winners. They are well deserved.
(Deemed Read)
Janie has been a part of the NWTCA Board, and/or the Fort Smith Curling Club Board as the liaison to the NWTCA since the mid-1980s. She has held every role of the NWTCA, including President, and has been the Competitions director for several years.
Janie has been officiating with NWT Curling at the local and Territorial levels for over 25 years. This year alone just officIated multiple NWTCA Championships, the Senior Nati, AWG in Alaska, as well as the U21 in Alberta. Janie travels to NWT communities to facilitate Officials trainings.
Janie has officiated at almost every level of national championships as well as Men's Worlds and Junior Worlds Janie was a timer at the Olympics and Para-Olympics in Vancouver.
She is on the board of the Mackenzie Rec Board.
At the 2016 National Masters Curling Championship in Nova Scotia, Janie was selected by her peers for the Female Sportsmanship Award.
Shari has dedicated the past five years to officiating with Table Tennis North, showcasing her passion and expertise in the sport. From the NWT School Championships to prestigious events like the 2020, 2023, and 2024 Arctic Winter Games, as well as the 2019 and 2023 Canada Winter Games, Shari has been a consistent and reliable Territorial Umpire. This exciting opportunity marks a new chapter in Shari's officiating career, as she eagerly anticipates the challenges and growth that come with reaching the national level. Her dedication and commitment to the sport are evident, and her future as a national Umpire looks promising.
Shari is a dedicated and enthusiastic Territorial Umpire in the Northwest Territories, always eager to enhance her skills and knowledge in the field. She seizes every learning opportunity that comes her way, demonstrating a strong commitment to personal growth and professional development. Shari's willingness to lend a helping hand and support her less experienced colleagues showcases her exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to the sport. With her passion for mentoring and guiding others, we are excited about the prospect of Shari becoming a Referee in the near future, as she continues to inspire and empower officials in the Territory.
Shari is a true role model in every sense of the word. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone around her has everything they need to excel in their official duties. Leading by example, Shari embodies professionalism in all aspects of her work. Her dedication to learning and teaching is unwavering, as she believes in the power of knowledge sharing and continuous growth. Shari's commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to those around her, making her a respected and admired figure in her field.
Shari is a dedicated individual who is deeply involved in various sports, with Table Tennis being just one of her many passions. She is known for her strong sense of community and commitment to her territory, always striving to ensure that everyone around her has the chance to excel and reach their full potential. Shari's inclusive and supportive nature creates a welcoming environment where individuals can thrive and grow, making her a true champion of empowerment and opportunity for all.
Rowe's Construction has been a pillar of support for the North, particularly in the realm of Table Tennis. Their contributions have been invaluable, from offering transportation services to various communities to storing and distributing equipment for the sport. Their unwavering assistance before, during, and after events has been a source of great comfort and reliability. Rowe's Construction embodies a positive and supportive attitude, always viewing challenges as opportunities and possibilities. Their dedication to the growth and success of Table Tennis in the North is truly commendable.
Table Tennis North will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, and throughout the years, Rowe1s Construction has been a steadfast supporter of our organization. Their unwavering commitment to our cause has been instrumental in our growth and success. We are just one of the many organizations and events that have benefited from Rowe's Construction1s generosity. From local community events to Territorial competitions and beyond, Rowe1s Construction has consistently demonstrated their dedication to supporting and uplifting the community. We are grateful for their continued partnership and look forward to many more years of collaboration.
