Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games fast approaches. It will be the 25th Arctic Winter Games for the Circumpolar World.
These games will inspire all participants to find their power through a unique and exceptional sporting and cultural experience that Northerners of all stripes will benefit from.
Not only does this provide the opportunity for our young athletes to shine, but it will show off the beauty and unique culture of the South Slave region of the Northwest Territories, the region of our territory that does not get put into the spotlight nearly enough. Every region and constituency of our vast territory will be offering up athletes and coaches to participate in these games, and Kam Lake is no different.
I am proud to say that we have 33 young athletes and coaches coming from Kam Lake to compete this year, such as Joseph Curran, who will be demonstrating his skill in cross-country skiing; or Logan Debogorski, who will be helping Team NWT win in ice hockey; Denae Lafferty, whose athletic ability will be front and centre in volleyball; while Tegan Konge dominates the slopes in snowboarding; and Aaron Wells will be leading our basketball team to victory as its coach.
There must be something in the water other than arsenic because the amount of athletic prowess coming from my riding and from this great city is phenomenal. I would like to congratulate all athletes participating this year, not only from Kam Lake and Team NWT, but from all nations of the circumpolar world. We are showing the rest of Canada and the international community that we have more to offer than just snow. We have some of the most formidable competitors and true athletes in the entire world. Thank you so much for all you do to inspire us.
I would like to give thanks to those who are giving time to volunteer in the South Slave Games. These events are only a success because of the sacrifice and hard work you put into these events. Finally, I would like to commend this government for its continued to support to both our athletes and these games. This continued strategic investment in events like this will help us reap benefits for generations to come, and demonstrates a commitment to our culture, regions, and athletes. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Go Team NWT.