Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, approximately 600 young athletes and coaches converged on Hay River for the 1998 Northwest Territories Track and Field Championships. They will join the almost 400 registered participants from Hay River schools bringing the total record number of registered athletes to over 900.
These athletes come from as far away from Inuvik and from communities as small as Jean Marie and Wrigley. Last night at the opening ceremonies, each school marched in carrying their school banner. I have had the privilege of attending these ceremonies in the past, but unfortunately, missed last night's opening ceremonies due to the schedule of our session here in Yellowknife.
I have only watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics on television and this year for only the second time, I attended the Opening Ceremonies of the Arctic Winter Games, but the times I have attended the Track and Field Opening Ceremonies in Hay River, I have been so moved by the school pride and spirit, which was so evident as each team comes in under the banner bearing their school's name. From the smaller communities, sometimes just a little flock with their teacher and their coach, but oh so proud. As tradition has it, Johnny Landry usually sings He Na Na Ho Ho, and the Games begin.
If this House is not sitting next year at the time of the Track and Field Championship, I will invite all MLAs with communities and schools represented to come and join us for the Track and Field Meet because it is very exciting. I dare not start thanking the many, many dedicated volunteers, teachers, parents, coaches for fear that I miss someone key, but I would like to especially thank today, coordinator Guy Turvey and his crew for this year, again, making the meet what I am sure will be the biggest and best yet. Good luck to all the athletes, and I would like to offer them that time honoured advice. It is not whether you win or lose, it is how you play game. I am sure that to all of us, these young athletes are all winners and we are all very proud of them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause