Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with an update on a number of special Team NWT initiatives being sponsored by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs for the upcoming Canada Winter Games, which will be held in Whitehorse, Yukon, from February 23 to March 10, 2007.
As Members may be aware, the most ambitious Canada Games torch relay even held began on April 10 of this year, when the three territorial torches were lit for the first time in the North at the Canadian Forces Base in Alert, Nunavut.
From that Far North start, the NWT torch has been on an epic journey through 25 communities to date. It has traveled by dog team, canoe, motorboat, on foot and by cross-country skis, by ATV, truck, car and military jet. It has visited Virginia Falls and has been sighted near the pingos of Tuktoyaktuk.
In the coming months, the torch will continue its journey through the rest of our communities before making its final trek from Yellowknife to Whitehorse just before the games open in February 2007.
In addition to the torch relay, the Northwest Territories is participating in a number of other special events to celebrate the first ever Canada Games north of the 60th parallel.
The Northwest Territories will be sending a contingent of Dene and Inuit games athletes who will vie for special medals in a competition among the three territories. Given the number of Canadians that are expected to attend from all across the country, this event will surely be one of the crowd pleasers at the games.
I am also pleased to report that 33 youth ambassadors, one from every community, will be attending the games to represent the Northwest Territories and learn valuable skills acting as games volunteers. Team NWT will also includes athletes and coaches from 12 sports including badminton, biathlon, snowboarding, curling, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, cross-country skiing, short track speed skating, squash and shooting.
The 2007 Canada Winter Games represent a significant opportunity for all three territories to host our southern neighbours and to show them the unique wonders of the
North. I will be providing my colleagues with additional information on the Canada Winter Games as we continue our preparation. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.