Mr. Speaker, the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are in full swing. I am proud to join the millions of Canadians cheering on Team Canada as they showcase our nation's finest athletes. Each day brings out more of our athletes standing proudly on the podium and an exciting week still lies ahead. What makes the Winter Olympics truly special is what they mean for our athletes here in the North. Our territory may be small in population, but we punch well above our weight, sending skilled athletes to compete on the world stage because many of these games are made for our people.
Northerners have long shone in Winter Olympic sports, including the versatile biathlete Brendan Green of Hay River, cross-country skier Jesse Cockney from Yellowknife, and speed skater Michael Gilday. And, of course, the trailblazing Firth sisters Sharon and Shirley from Aklavik, cross-country skiers who are longtime members of Canada's national team. While Shirley is tragically no longer with us, my friend Sharon continues to inspire youth and promote northern sports. Just last week, she was the featured highlight of an exhibit at Calgary's airport, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Order of Sport, Canada's highest sporting honour.
I am looking forward to upcoming events in skiing, curling, and speed skating, and of course I can't wait to see our two elite hockey teams continue Canada's dominance on the ice. Closer to home, the Arctic Winter Games will soon showcase young northern talent in sport and Indigenous culture, and I wish all NWT athletes the very best in Whitehorse. Here's to Team Canada, here's to Team NWT, and here's to the next generation of northern athletes. Let's go for gold, Mr. Speaker.