Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to speak on the Team NWT's recent participation in the Western Canada Summer Games.
First off, I would like to congratulate all members of Team NWT for their performance. Our athletes were excellent ambassadors of our northern spirit and territory, but I want to specifically celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Leo Konge, one of my constituents. He pushed hard and brought home gold in 50 metre butterfly, as well as two bronze medals in the 100 meter and 200 meter butterfly, at this year's games in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Leo's dedication to sport, teamwork, and personal excellence serves as a model example of what we can achieve when we dedicate ourselves to realizing our goals. Leo has literally set a gold standard.
The Western Canada Summer Games were first held in Regina in 1975 and provided western and northern athletes the opportunity to compete at a high-performance level, and meet and interact with fellow athletes their age. Every four years, the year before the Summer Olympics, nearly 2,300 athletes representing the four western provinces and three territories meet to compete in 23 summer sport disciplines.
I want to recognize all Team NWT volunteers, officials, parents, and support networks. They have all demonstrated a dedication to go that extra mile to ensure that the athletes have the best experience possible and who all support their athletic pursuits. Their dedication of time and monetary support to the training and skills development of our next generation is so very important.
All of us have an obligation to build the foundation for future generations by promoting healthy and active living among children and youth. Sports and physical activity have a proven effect of improving the physical and mental well-being of participants. The NWT will be hosting the Western Canada Summer Games in 2027, and I hope that we all play our part to ensure that we send the biggest team yet from the NWT to these games.
Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to congratulate all of Team NWT on their fine performance, and I am sure the Members will join me in acknowledging how proud we are of Leo and his teammates. We wish them all the very best as they progress in their chosen sports and in future competitions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Leo.