Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to provide information to Members about our NWT team which will be competing at the 2003 Canada Winter Games. These games are being held in Bathurst and Campbellton, New Brunswick, February 22nd to March 8th.
The Canada Winter Games are the country's primary multi-sport event. The 2003 Canada Winter Games will include 3,200 participants from all provinces and territories competing in 21 sports over the two weeks of the games.
The NWT is sending 70 participants from 10 communities. Week one will include badminton, cross-country skiing, women's curling, speed skating and squash.
In week two, Team NWT will compete in biathlon, men's curling and figure skating.
In addition, two artists from Hay River and from Yellowknife are taking part in the national artists program, which is part of the cultural component of the games.
On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I would like to thank the coaches, volunteers, territorial sport organizations and Sport North for their dedication and commitment in working with our young athletes in the past few years to prepare for the event.
For many, it will be the experience of a lifetime and the height of their athletic careers. For others it will be a stepping-stone to higher goals as they pursue excellence in their sport. I am sure that all the athletes who have been selected to represent the NWT at the Canada Winter Games will be excellent ambassadors for the North.
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs will continue to work with our partners to ensure that young athletes from the NWT who work hard and strive to meet the standards to compete at this level will continue to have the opportunity to participate in the Canada games.
Mr. Speaker, the Canada Winter Games are a national celebration that will bring together people from across our country. Our participants will certainly benefit for years to come from the experience and friendships they will find at the games.
I invite all Members to join me in wishing the best of luck to Team NWT and all the participants in the 2003 Canada Winter Games. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.