Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today and share with Members information on the inaugural Northwest Territories Games being held in Fort Smith, March 18th to 21st.
This exciting pilot program will provide an opportunity for youth from all communities to participate in and experience the benefits of a multi-sport games competition.
Host organizers are expecting close to 400 participants from all Northwest Territories communities. They will be participating in curling, cross-country skiing, ski and snowshoe biathlon, snowshoeing, snow soccer, Dene games, Inuit games and some ice sport clinics.
It is our hope that they will enjoy this experience and take away from it a lifelong interest in physical activity and making healthy lifestyle choices. Some may even choose to go on to higher level events such as the Arctic Winter Games or the Canada Games.
The total Government of the Northwest Territories contribution to the NWT Games is $100,000. The departments of Education, Culture and Employment, Health and Social Services, Justice and the NWT Housing Corporation, along with Municipal and Community Affairs, have contributed financially because each recognize the future benefits to supporting events like this. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to each of those Ministers for agreeing to support this worthwhile event. The balance of the funding for the games has been derived from Western Canada Lottery revenues and the Government of Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize the tremendous effort put into organizing the Northwest Territories Games by the Sport North Federation. Within a short time frame, they have managed to coordinate and plan this event and have partnered with us to make this happen.
For those Members of the Legislative Assembly who have decided to attend the games, I am certain that you will see youth from communities have a great experience that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize the outstanding contribution from Fort Smith. The community, their volunteers and businesses and many local organizations have all come together to make this event a reality. Without their efforts, these games simply would not have been possible. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause
