Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the 1992 Arctic Winter Games will be held March 16 to 22 in Whitehorse, Yukon. As Minister responsible, I am pleased to provide Members of the Assembly with an update on our NWT team to this premier trans-Arctic sport and cultural event.
Mr. Speaker, our NWT Team consists of 308 athletes, coaches and mission staff, who will compete in all 17 sports at the 1992 Arctic Winter Games. Athletes on our team come from 34 different communities from all regions across the Northwest Territories. I am pleased to note that community representation on our team has steadily increased. In 1980, only 20 communities sent athletes to the games. The competitive success of our athletes from the smaller communities in earning a spot on the NWT team is only one indication of this government's success in providing facilities, coaching and competitions to all residents of the Northwest Territories. Regional representation on our NWT team is as follows: Baffin, 18; Keewatin, 35; Kitikmeot, 12; Inuvik, 27; Yellowknife, 126; Fort Smith/Hay River, 48; and Mackenzie, 41.
Mr. Speaker, this week I have provided each MLA with a list of participants from their constituency. In fact, every Member of this Assembly, except two, has representation on the team. As well, our NWT team will be complemented by a cultural performance group of 11 who will form part of the major cultural program planned in conjunction with the games.
The success of the Arctic Winter Games, however, should not be judged solely on the composition of our final team that has earned the right to compete in Whitehorse. The Arctic Winter Games have earned the importance they hold throughout the North because they involve mass participation in a series of regional and territorial trials; for example, those held in December and January to determine the final team for these games. Over 2400 athletes, coaches and officials from 47 communities competed in the regional and territorial trials for the right to represent the NWT at the 1992 Arctic Winter Games. The Arctic Winter Games territorial trials are the single largest sporting event in the Northwest Territories.
I am sure all Members will join me in wishing all athletes the very best of luck in their upcoming competitions, and even if they do not bring home the gold ulu, I am sure they will represent us well.
--- Applause