Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to provide an update to the Members on some significant achievements within the sport and recreation system.

Many of our partner organizations are continuing to do some excellent work to support and advance the quality of programs for the residents in our communities. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge these efforts.

• • This past summer 217 athletes, coaches and mission staff participated in the North American Indigenous Games held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our NWT team featured athletes from 15 communities in 11 sports. In total these athletes took home 66 medals and placed ninth out of the 24 participating teams. I congratulate the Aboriginal Sport Circle of the Western Arctic for their outstanding work in organizing Team NWT for these Games.
• • In September 13 students began studies at the Inuvik Campus of Aurora College in the recreation leaders program. Over the past year MACA officials have been working closely with Aurora College staff to recruit students for the program. Recreation leadership development is an important part of community programs and services. These new leaders and those that follow will help communities develop stronger and more stable programs in future years.
• • Mr. Speaker, just recently I proclaimed the week of September 15 to 22 as Recreation Week in the NWT. This declaration was made to recognize the value of community-based recreation programs, and to acknowledge the hard work of recreation professionals and volunteers. Our communities depend heavily on these people to provide recreation programs and services that we know are a big part of the quality of life for residents. In Fort McPherson they used this opportunity to launch a corporate challenge and they also held a luncheon to recognize their volunteers. Here in Yellowknife teachers at Ecole St. Joseph School initiated a "Walk to Work" program and they also broadcast daily physical activity messages on their morning announcements. It is important that we recognize the NWT Recreation and Parks Association for spearheading this important initiative.
• • Finally, Mr. Speaker, this coming November the Sport North Federation will be delivering an NWT coaches symposium. This is a major training event for community coaches as well as high performance coaches. I understand that a number of different sessions will be delivered on a broad range of topics. This work by Sport North greatly contributes to the quality of our coaches and to the work that they do with the young people in the North.

Mr. Speaker, the efforts put forth by our many volunteers and professionals in all parts of the recreation and sport system make the NWT a better place to live. I support this work and I am pleased to have this opportunity to share some of the recent success stories of our partner organizations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause