Mr. Speaker, today the Vancouver Grizzlies basketball team will play its inaugural game in the National Basketball Association in Portland, Oregon. Arthur Griffiths and general manager Stu Jackson will undoubtedly lead our new Vancouver basketball team to many victories.
There is a lot of anticipation in Vancouver. The Grizzlies will be playing in the state of the art GM Place stadium which will give to the team an advantage over the rest of the teams in the league. The fans will not be disappointed because they will be treated to one of the most exciting and popular sports in the world.
Canadians should be proud that they have two teams in the NBA they can call their own. We have to build on the success of what Canadian Dr. James Naismith started. The Vancouver Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors will do us proud.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish to the Vancouver Canucks good luck and success in their new season. The Canucks will also be playing in the GM arena under general manager Pat Quinn who assembled a talented and skilled team.
To the Vancouver Grizzlies and the Vancouver Canucks, bonne chance.