Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There have been numerous applications that have come forward and the take-up has been a lot more than anticipated. Currently, there is an application before the department for 224 individuals to attend the North American Indigenous Games originally totalling $125,796. However, in looking at the total amount of applications that came in, there were a few dual applications, particularly for juvenile volleyball. It doesn't make sense to send two teams down, so it is suggested there be a playdown of those two teams to eliminate one of the funding applications. Or, they could combine a team if they chose to.
Also, there was a request from senior athletes and the department has considered not allowing them to be eligible because the games focus on the younger participants. So taking that into account, the total applications that would be eligible would be approximately $106,605. Originally, the department had put aside $50,000 for this event, but we have decided, in recognizing the importance of the event and the games, to find it within the department to fund all applications, if they go forward. Thank you.