Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Paul Stipdonk Memorial Soccer Tournament. As I explained last year, this tournament is a bit unique in that they don't keep score, nor do they have winners or losers. The focus is on the athletes having fun and playing the sport. Besides playing the sport, the youth are given the opportunity to attend a couple of skills development sessions and a skills competition.

This year, we had athletes from Trout Lake; Fort Liard; Annex, Alberta; Grande Prairie, Alberta; Nahanni Butte; and Fort Simpson.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that parents and families of the athletes from out of town did an amazing job. They were great athletes, sportsmen, and ambassadors of the community. It was amazing to see all their smiling faces and the fun that they were having this weekend.

As well, I would like to say the Fort Simpson (Bompas) athletes were great hosts, great team players, and really enjoyed the games and, most importantly, making new friends from the region.

Mr. Speaker, it was great to see all the parents out there supporting all the teams. Whether it was the U14 division or the U12 division, it did not matter which team was playing. They were cheering on all the athletes and encouraging them on.

Mr. Speaker, a special shout-out goes to the recreation staff from TSS School and the TSS students and volunteers who ran the concession and meal program for the out-of-town athletes. A great job done by all.

I would like to thank the Fort Simpson High Performance Soccer players and parents who were helping with the coaching and refereeing throughout the weekend. It was great to see this capacity being built. I take great pride when I see younger athletes paying back to the sport. The same can be said about the young coaches and chaperones from Fort Liard, Chase Berrault, James Duntra, and Arlene McLeod, and Sambaa K’e's coaches, Beth Jumbo and Tyler Jumbo. I say a big thank you to you.

To the Mackenzie Recreation Association, Municipal and Community Affairs, and the Village of Fort Simpson, thank you for funding and supporting this event. Money well-invested.

In closing, a big special thank you to Jackie Whelly and Ashley Gillis for helping organize and running this whole tournament. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage my colleagues to give them a big round of applause. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.