Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the Fort Simpson Speed Skating Club.

Mr. Speaker, the Fort Simpson Speed Skating Club is a strong-minded youth who have been working hard over the last two years to keep attending practices and competitions despite all the COVID-19 related closures.

This year the team traveled to Yellowknife for the NWT championships in February, and the whole team's mental and physical strength was tested. Every individual brought home huge personal best times and increased self-confidence. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to watch these young athletes from Fort Simpson perform and give their all, including my oldest granddaughter Paige.

This season, six skaters were able to travel outside the NWT. That's right, travel outside the NWT, and down to Calgary to compete at the Olympic Oval. The sheer size of the rink and the competition gave each of these young women invaluable race experience.

In speaking with one of the coaches, the athletes had personal best times and had a couple of medal winners. Tamara Tanche-Hannah, the most senior member of the team, went on to represent Team NWT at the Canadian Youth Championship West in Selkirk, Manitoba. She initially qualified in 2019 and was suddenly able to attend this year. The entire speed skating team has struggled through the challenge of sports during the pandemic and they have all come out stronger mentally and physically.

The coaching staff and the community are extremely proud of the team of young athletes that have managed to keep training and compete throughout the unprecedented global lockdown.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the parents and coaches for taking these young athletes to these events. It involves a lot of driving from them to Yellowknife and then flying from there. But, what I have heard from my granddaughter and my personal experience as a coach, this is one of the most exciting times for the young athletes. That is right, a six-hour drive to Yellowknife is about bonding time and sharing it with your fellow teammates.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to see our young athletes given this opportunity to travel to other sporting events and I am looking forward to other success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.