Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, I had the pleasure of returning home to attend and help out the Connie Loutit Memorial Soccer Tournament.
Mr. Speaker, Ms. Loutit was a secretary at the Bompas School, and the manager of their family plumbing company. She was very active in the community, whether it was sports, school, or community events that improved youths' lives. Her and her husband have two daughters who love soccer, and she could be seen at every game. She was very supportive, did a lot of fundraising and chaperoning through her life. To keep her memory alive, the Mackenzie Recreation Association asked the family if they could name the annual soccer event after her.
This year, they had 20 teams from Hay River, Detah/Ndilo, Fort Resolution, Fort Liard, Saamba K'e, and Fort Simpson, plus athletes from Wrigley, Nahanni Butte, and Whitehorse, a total of 140 athletes. This year, each community was successful in winning at least one banner for their community.
Similar to the Paul Stipdonk Memorial Tournament, it was a great weekend of soccer, but most importantly, connecting old and new friends. Arriving at about 9:30 on Friday, I came into the community hall, and all I heard was a lot of laughter and chatter among the athletes and fans. It was great to see. As well, I was honoured to have the athletes and coaches take the time to catch up with me.
As the previous tournament, the parents and fans came out in full force to support all the teams. The whole weekend was full of "oohs" and "aahs" cheering for each team. I had a number of coaches and referees and athletes comment on how friendly the fans were throughout the weekend. I'm proud to say my home is in Nahendeh riding.
Mr. Speaker, to help the athletes recognize Connie Loutit and Paul Stipdonk, and help future athletes understand why these tournaments are named after them, the organizers are going to make a plaque and a brochure and a poster that will be hung at the recreation centre.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the following:
● the referees;
● the Fort Simpson Speed Skating Club;
● the Dehcho Friendship Centre;
● Thomas Simpson School;
● the recreation staff;
● Brendan Welly;
● MACA sport and recreation funding; and
● the Mackenzie Recreation Association.
A special thanks to Jackie Whelly, Ashley Gillis, and Nathan MacPherson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.