Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate one constituent from the Inuvik Twin Lakes riding who is competing in the sport of badminton at the Canada Winter Games. Mr. Speaker, this young person is James Elias, the youngest son of Albert and Shirley Elias who are previously from Holman. From what I have been told, James only started playing badminton 4 years ago at the Sir Alexander Mackenzie School evening sports program. This is quite an accomplishment for one individual which now takes him to a major event in New Brunswick.

Mr. Speaker, I was also told that young James was to have participated in the annual IRC hockey tournament scheduled this coming weekend, but he elected to attend the Canada Winter Games instead. I believe this is a wise choice as he will gain tremendous exposure competing at the national level.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, it gives me a great sense of pride when a young student can examine both sport and academic studies. James is known to be a hard-working student and also a dedicated student while attending Samuel Hearne Secondary School in Inuvik.

I want to extend my congratulations to this fine young individual and encourage him, as well as other young athletes like him, to pursue excellence in both sport and Canadian academic studies. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause