Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to use my Member's statement today to talk about one of the great industries in my riding of Kam Lake. That industry, Mr. Speaker, is dog mushing. I am very proud to say that the riding of Kam Lake is home to the largest population, and, arguably, the best population, of sled dogs in our territory. It is also home to a number of constituents who are dog mushers. Many of my constituents are known around the globe as world-class dog mushers. Just recently, Mr. Grant Beck and his team competed in the inaugural La Grande Odyssey in France. This race was a gruelling 1,000-mile race which began in France and took the mushers to Switzerland and Italy over some very mountainous and treacherous terrain. As if the elements weren't enough, Mr. Beck fell ill with 300 miles remaining. Through sheer determination and heart, Mr. Beck fought on and finished a very respectable third place in this race against a very strong field.
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I would like to congratulate Grant Beck on his fine finish and for being such a first-class ambassador for the Northwest Territories.
Another constituent of mine, Mr. Sam Perrino, is competing in the Yukon Quest which challenges mushers and dogs with 1,000 miles of trail through some of the most spectacular and dangerous geography in North America. The trail follows old mail routes, gold rush trails, and other Klondike air transportation routes. The race trail demands phenomenal endurance on the part of all the dogs and the mushers. Whiteout conditions, temperatures in the minus 50s, fierce winds and summits are some of the obstacles to success. At this very point in the race, Mr. Perrino is in fifth place and running an incredible race. The Yukon Quest is one of the premier events in the world for dog mushers. I would like to encourage all Members of this House and interested persons to follow Mr. Perrino and his team as they try their best to win the Yukon Quest. The web site is www.yukonquest.org. Good luck, Sam. Thank you.
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