Madam Speaker, this week saw 85 young basketball teams gather in Terrace, B.C., for the Junior All Native Basketball Tournament, one of the largest youth sporting events in British Columbia.
I had an opportunity on Sunday evening to take in the opening ceremony, and watching hundreds of young athletes enter the gym to the sound of the host Nisga'a Nation's drums was a powerful sight indeed.
It takes a huge amount of energy and work to pull off a tournament this big. I want to recognize the organizing committee, the host nation, the City of Terrace, the sponsors and, of course, the players, coaches, family and friends who made this event so special.
Young people are the future, and the co-operation and unity that I saw at this tournament shows that the future is in very good hands.
I wish the very best of luck to all the players heading to the finals this afternoon.