Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the spring equinox, there is palpable excitement in Yellowknife. I'd like to take a moment to highlight one of my favourite winter events, the the upcoming Frostbite 55 taking place this Saturday, March 15th. This event is the premiere winter endurance event in the Northwest Territories and brings together skiers and snowshoers from across the NWT and Canada to undertake a grueling 55-kilometer course. The course traverses the area around Yellowknife, N'dilo, and Dettah, and highlights the beautiful and rugged terrain around these communities.
Mr. Speaker, this event is entirely organized and supported by volunteers committing their time and energy for the benefit and enjoyment of the community. The participants train throughout the dark, cold months of January and February, and come prepared to undertake the physical and mental exertion necessary to achieve their personal goals either individually or as part of a team. Businesses in and around Yellowknife provide their support through generous donations and sponsorships for prizes and draws for participants and volunteers. This event pushes the limits of our endurance, but also brings or community together in celebration of the wild beauty of our landscape. The strength of our community is apparent as the skiers and snowshoers start off Saturday morning complete with throngs of friends, family members, and teammates cheering them on outside the Yellowknife ski chalet.
Again, this event wouldn't be possible without the hard work of so many volunteers who have spent countless hours preparing for this incredible event to ensure the safety of participants. I want to congratulate them and thank them for their contribution to their community. I'd like to wish all the participants the best of luck in this year's race. I hope the sun is bright and snow conditions are just right.
I'll personally be on the course this weekend as a safety rider, and I've heard that the Member for Yellowknife North, who I'll note won the event last year, will be participating so look out for a few of your local MLAs on the course this weekend. I would note that if you're on the fence about participating, today is the last day to register, and I strongly encourage you to try it out. It's a great event. Let's all mark our calendars for March 15th and keep an eye out for these dedicated athletes as they tackle the Frostbite 55. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Frame Lake. Members' statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
