Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just over a month away, Nunakput athletes will be gearing up to head to Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon, from March 15 to 21, 2020. They are part of a delegation of 375 athletes representing our communities from across our great territory, representing the games.
Mr. Speaker, in 1970, the Arctic Winter Games started, growing across the circumpolar world in celebration of sports and culture, and in friendship. The games give children the opportunity to demonstrate their skills while learning good sportsmanship, inclusivity, and northern pride. There will be 21 sporting events under the headings of traditional supports, such as Arctic sports and dog mushing, Nordic sports, indoor sports, and ice sports.
This year, NWT will compete against eight other teams from Alaska, Northern Alberta, Yukon, Nunavut, Nunavik, Russia, Greenland, Finland, and Norway. Together, more than 2,000 athletes, officials, supporters, volunteers, and cultural performers will gather in Whitehorse for the Arctic Winter Games and this celebration.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of all our athletes across our territory, but I am really proud of my athletes that are coming out of Nunakput for trying so hard to get to where they are at because of the travel to get to their sport. They will be participating in the games: James Keevik Jr., Joe Nosagaluak, Riland Keevik, Kobe Kikoak, Edward Pokiak, Mikayla Jacobson, Jasmine Gruben, Noel-Leigh Cockney, and Davy Kuptana.
Mr. Speaker, I want these young athletes to do the very best and let them know that Nunakput and our territory is behind them, rooting for them for next month to compete in Whitehorse. Also, I want to take a moment to thank Diane Nasogaluak and Gary Okheena for travelling with our youth as coach and managers.
Mr. Speaker, it is called "Bring It North," the official theme of this year's Arctic Winter Games. I have no doubt that Nunakput's young athletes are going to bring it in 2020. Mr. Speaker, they have got it. Thank you.