Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the participants who represented Team NT and the NWT Youth Ambassador Program at the 2025 Canada Summer Games that were held in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, from August 8 to 24. The Canada Summer Games provides an opportunity for Team NT to engage and compete with other athletes from across Canada. Not only are the games an athletic competition, but they also provide an opportunity to develop athletes and coaches, strengthen sport systems and create lasting social, cultural, and economic impacts.
Mr. Speaker, sport, recreation, and active living play a crucial role in ensuring healthy people and communities by addressing physical, mental, social, and economic aspects of well-being. That is why the Government of the Northwest Territories continues to support all residents, including the youth, and to provide assistance to attend events like this in Canada.
In St. John's, Team NT was represented by 182 participants from 10 communities across the Northwest Territories. Representation included small and remote communities like Ulukhaktok, Tulita, Gameti and Lutselk'e as well as the larger centers like Fort Smith, Hay River, Inuvik and Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that Team NT participants competed in a variety of events, including athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and wrestling. While no medals were brought back to the NWT, I would like to highlight and congratulate the male basketball team in their victory over Prince Edward Island. This is the first-ever win for Basketball NWT over a provincial team at the Canada Games.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the various territorial sports organizations that are responsible for assisting in selecting and managing their representatives at these games. Their contributions are a significant part of preparing Team NT for these games. I would also like to extend special gratitude to Team NT's Chef-de-Mission, Rita Mercedi and assistant Chefs-de-Mission Damon Crossman and Lexie Letzing, and the rest of the mission staff for their outstanding efforts in organizing and supporting the team they brought to the games.
Mr. Speaker, I would especially like to say thanks to the many volunteers and sponsors during this time to prepare them for the Arctic Games. Whether you are volunteering, organizing, or someone who's assisting, all your contributions and preparation of Team NT are very much appreciated.
And finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 13 NWT youth ambassadors who volunteered a total of 457 hours at these games. The youth ambassadors had several opportunities to learn and develop leadership and life skills. Their volunteer roles included being parade marshals for the opening ceremonies, supporting venue operation services, sustainability green team, village services crew, and participating with the entertainment crew. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership made long-lasting impacts, not only on the success of this event, but also on everyone who had the pleasure of working alongside of you. I sincerely hope all participants enjoyed their experience! Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
