Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, from March 17th to the 23rd, athletes and coaches from across the Northwest Territories will gather in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and Nuuk, Greenland, to participate in the 17th annual Arctic Winter Games.
In the past few weeks, Mr. Speaker, we have seen a lot of hype on TV about the Olympics. Although these Games might not match the same calibre as the Olympics that we have seen on TV, as far as our northern athletes are concerned, these are our Olympic Games.
I am a very strong supporter of the Arctic Winter Games, Mr. Speaker, having been involved with them for many years. My first involvement with the Games was back during the 5th Arctic Winter Games in 1978. At that time, I took part in moving athletes and spectators back and forth between Pine Point and Hay River, probably the only passenger train service that was ever available in the Northwest Territories. The passenger train was called the Inukshuk Express, and I have many fond memories of that train.
Mr. Speaker, it takes a lot of commitment and dedication from many organizations, athletes, coaches, volunteers and administrators to make the Arctic Winter Games a success. Of course, I cannot forget the parents. They play a very large role in transporting athletes, billeting, helping at camps and supporting our athletes as they go through the regional trials and at the Games themselves.
I want to commend and congratulate everyone involved in making the 17th annual Arctic Winter Games possible. I would especially like to congratulate the following athletes from my constituency: Meagan Cooke, ice hockey; Meagan Delorey, basketball; Rick Leonard, wrestling; Corey Coady, ice hockey; Danny Brown, ice hockey; Jeremy Planidin, ice hockey; Joey Hiebert, ice hockey; Erin Hiebert, volleyball; Danny Jackson, wrestling; Kris Desjarlais, ice hockey; Andy McKay, Dene Games; and Matthew Davies, cross country skiing.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind these athletes about the Games, what they are and what they stand for, and I would like to wish them all the best. I would like to quote the words of Minister Vince Steen: "The Arctic Winter Games are not only an athletic competition, but also an international celebration of friendship under the banner of sportsmanship and fair play. Our athletes are encouraged and supported to do their...