Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our athletes, coaches, officials and cultural performers who participated in the Arctic Winter Games in Slave Lake last week.
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It was great to see how the Northwest Territories athletes were making friends and providing encouragement to athletes from other contingents when language was a significant barrier. I'm sure there were many friendships made last week that will last a lifetime.
I am pleased to inform you that the Northwest Territories athletes brought home 151 medals, the most of any contingent.
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This is the first time in ten years and we are all very proud. Very shortly, I will be distributing to Members a comprehensive summary of Arctic Winter Games results.
The residents of Slave Lake also deserve a medal for the excellent job they did in hosting this international event. I'm told that over 2,000 volunteers were involved from a community of only 6,000 people. The Northwest Territories uniforms stood out in both the opening and closing ceremonies and were in great demand as trading items throughout the week. I would ask that all Members join me in showing our appreciation for the athletes, coaches and officials as well as the host community of Slave Lake, Alberta. Thank you, Madam Speaker.