Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate a major talent, and major league talented athletes in my constituency. They are Andy Wittlinger and Amy Wittlinger.
Mr. Speaker, the Wittlinger siblings had a very successful 2002 North American Indigenous Games experience, competing for Team NWT in swimming. The games were held back in July to August in Winnipeg.
Mr. Speaker, Yellowknife's Francis Ablitt was also on the team, along with Robyn McLeod, Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod's daughter, Collin Stipdonk of Fort Simpson; Robin Gordon, Kristielyn Jones, and Curt McLellan of Fort Smith. The three YK swimmers brought home 25 medals in all from Winnipeg, and Andy and Amy took home a big portion of these medals. Andy won nine individual medals and two medals as a member of relay teams. Amy won seven individual medals and two as a member of relay teams. At the games, Andy and Amy combined to break five NWT swimming records.
The Wittlinger sibling accomplishments do not end at the Indigenous Games. Andy and Amy have attended the Alberta Senior Championships the past three years, and have had numerous top ten finishes. Last April, Amy competed at the Edmonton Keyano International Age Group meet in Edmonton, Alberta, against swimmers from 33 clubs across Canada, the United States and several other countries.
Amy and Andy both give time back to their Yellowknife Polar Bear Swim Club. They are qualified coaches and are currently helping the younger age group swimmers with the club. They have been swimming with the club for seven years and I could tell you that their parents have taken the time to tell me that there is a lack of support and funding for these elite athletes, but that does not seem to stop these exemplary and very talented young swimmers. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize them and congratulate them. I ask that the Members of this House join me in recognizing them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause