Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The NWT Recreation and Parks Association recognizes dedicated recreation professionals and volunteers in northern communities for their continuing efforts and achievements in promoting recreation and active living for all Northerners.
Well, I think it’s about time that this territory and this government recognize the NWT Recreation and Parks Association. We’ve got to recognize this great association for 25 years of excellent service in the Northwest Territories. I was fortunate enough to attend part of the conference that they had a couple of weeks ago, earlier this month, and celebrate with them their 25 year anniversary.
Over the 25 years, they’ve dedicated themselves to training residents and professionals and their development as well. They’ve been strong advocates for health, recreation and wellness not
only in the Northwest Territories but they do sit on national boards and bring the northern voice to these national boards.
Some of these trainings include things like the HIGH FIVE training, Elders in Motion, on-the-land programs, the NWT conference and awards aquatics, something that’s been brought up in the House many times to help develop lifesaving techniques in the cold water or when you’re just out in the canoe or out swimming.
I just wanted to highlight a few of their achievements over the past year. The NWTRPA had 40 training events in 16 communities. Of those training events, 473 people participated in the training. In the Walk to Tuk Challenge, over 1,600 people participated. In their Get Active events, over 6,000 people participated. They also developed four new Elders in Motion programs and eight on-the-land programs are also started. All these are for residents who are youth, to adults, to elders.
I just want to highlight one other thing with the NWT Rec and Parks Association. With their Walk to Tuk Challenge, the NWTRPA was selected as one of six Play Exchange finalists chosen from over 400 submissions in Canada to possibly gain up to a million dollars to launch that challenge nationwide. That will be…
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted