Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I pay tribute to individuals and organizations involved in two momentous events that took place in my riding on January 28 of this year.
Sixty-eight men and women became the first graduating class from the University of Victoria child care vision initiative program. The program saw instructors from the University of Victoria take their program to 13 communities in my riding.
If the students would have had to attend classes on campus it would have cost $2 million. Through this innovative approach the cost was $311,000.
Graduates received their diplomas in early childhood education.
Congratulations to the graduates and instructors, the University of Victoria, the Awasis Agency and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the annual Knights of Columbus indoor track meet. This event, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, with the support of its members, teachers, students and community volunteers, promotes healthy competition between elementary schools in Thompson.
To mark this silver anniversary, for the first time special needs students were able to participate. In a special event, relay spectators were treated to a photo finish.
Congratulations athletes, the Knights of Columbus, teachers and other volunteers. What a great start to the millennium.