Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to let Members know about an exciting event held this past weekend at the Yellowknife Ski Club involving athletes from Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik, Fort Providence, Hay River, Fort Smith and Yellowknife. Approximately 100 skiers and biathletes enjoyed competing in the Nordic Cup No. 3 and Polar Cup No. 3 races.
Prior to the beginning of the races on Saturday, the Yellowknife Ski Club named its biathlon venue the Mary Beth Miller Biathlon Centre. This was done to honour the memory of Mary Beth Miller, a Yellowknife athlete who was killed last summer during a training session at the Miriam Bedard Biathlon Centre in Val Cartier, Quebec.
Mr. Speaker, it was exciting to witness the athletes competing in last weekend's events. Skiers ranged in age from the four- and five-year-old cradle group to a group of adults working hard to maintain their youth and their health. They were supported by parents and friends, many of whom volunteered to help officiate at the two events. The participation of some members from Canada's military stationed in Yellowknife, including their commanding officer, was an exciting development for the biathlon event.
As you know, the Northwest Territories has a proud history in Nordic skiing events. During the late 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, several territorial athletes represented Canada in the Olympic Games and in several world championships. Inuvik played host to athletes from as many as ten countries who sent members of their national teams to compete in the annual Top of the World Ski Championships.
There are several skiers and biathletes from the Northwest Territories who are working towards representing their country in upcoming Olympic games and world championships. The Northwest Territories ski division and Northwest Territories Biathlon Association, like many other territorial sports organizations, are to be commended for their efforts to ensure athletes from northern communities get an opportunity to compete and develop their skills, both in northern competitions and in competitions held in the provinces. We need to encourage more of this. I would like to see more people get out to watch these young athletes compete. Their energy and enthusiasm is infectious, a healthy infection.
We need to support those who volunteer their time and skills to coaching these athletes. The investment of time and effort is very cost-effective, leading to life-long healthy living. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause