Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know I don't have to tell you this, but coaches play a vital role in our communities. Good coaching isn't only about enhanced sport performance, it's about something much more important.
Eighty percent of people who received coaching report increased self-confidence. They establish and take action towards achieving goals, become more self-reliant, gain more job and life satisfaction, contribute more effectively to their teams on and off the court, take greater responsibility and accountability for their actions and commitments, and work more easily and productively with others by being team players and communicate more effectively. Essentially, Mr. Speaker, good coaches help build good humans.
Last term, through multiple community engagements, the Standing Committee on Social Development heard repetitively the powerful impact sport and recreation has on community wellness, especially youth and families. Sport and recreation was attributed to keeping families healthy and together and our youth feeling valued, fulfilled, and alive because physical health is a key component of mental health. Efforts like this rely on the selfless dedication of coaches who show up, lead by example, and are consistent bright lights in the lives of so many youths.
This past month, two Kam Lake coaches have been recognized for their incredible coaching contributions to youth sport, changing the lives of NWT children and teens through their endless volunteer hours. Shakita Jensen was named Yellowknife minor hockey coach of the year, and Shakita is a Canadian trailblazer changing the face of Canadian hockey. She gives so much of her time to coaching, including teams in Yellowknife minor hockey, and as the coach for Canada Winter Games as well as Arctic Winter Games.
Erin Wells was named Sport North NWT coach of the year and has coached youth basketball for decades, including Arctic Winter Games, Canada Games, and the NWT's high-performance teams. This past March, Erin coached Team NWT's Arctic Winter Games basketball team to a historic gold medal, first for the NWT female basketball team.
Mr. Speaker, neither of these people are coaches because they have children in the game. They have dedicated themselves to coaching through exemplary leadership for the love of the sport and commitment to the future of NWT youth. A huge thank you to Erin and Shakita for your dedication, time, and leadership, and congratulations on your very well-deserved recognition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Kam Lake; I couldn't agree with you more.
Members' statements. Member from Thebacha.
