Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to dedicate my last statement today to recognizing the great achievements of Weledeh constituents competing at the 22nd NWT Track and

Field Championships held June 6th to 8th in Hay

River.

I’ll start with Hannah Clarke, who was named first overall in the junior female category and took the gold in the 400, 800 and 1,500 metres, and a bronze in the triple jump. Hannah was also nominated as this year’s Sport North Junior Female Athlete of the Year in speed skating, so she’s an all-season all-rounder.

Congratulations to Greg Littlefair’s new record in the Master’s 500 metre race of 18 minutes 24 seconds. Greg also won gold in the Master’s 800 and 1,500 metre races. Claire Littlefair followed suit for the family, with top-three placings in the Midget 800, 1,500 and 3,000 metre races.

Again in the Master’s category, Michelle Culhane won gold in the 400 metre, and silver in the 800 metre and triple jump. Debbie Meade was a medalist for Master’s in the 800, 1,500 and 3,000 metre.

In the Tyke category, Wren Acorn won top three placings in the 200 metre, high jump and long jump. Our own Myra Mercer claimed gold in the Tyke’s 400 and 800 metre. Anika Affleck took fourth in the Bantam triple jump, 800 and 1,500 metre.

Henry Ksydaig – excuse me if I pronounce that wrong – took bronze in the Bantam high jump. Emily Hodgins won bronze in the Bantam shot put. Linnea Stephenson took bronze in the Bantam discus throw, and Nova Stephenson at fifth in Bantam 800 metres. Logan Bulger silver in the Peewee long jump. Dakkar Henry silver in the Peewee 200 metres, Jill Stewart bronze in the Seniors 800 metres, and Kerry Egan took fifth in the Master’s 800 metres. Last, but not least, Gillian Furniss took silver in the seven years and under Tyke category for 50 metre dash.

For any of the great Weledeh competitors I may have missed, please accept my apologies and my huge congratulations for turning out. Of course, the games were not only possible through the participation of the 1,200 keen athletes, 110 coaches, and an amazing 420 volunteers came through again to organize and present the NWT’s premier summer sporting event in Hay River.

My congratulations to all competitors, coaches, volunteers and spectators on a great event. Mahsi.