Coral Harbour (July 30/03) - Nearly 100 youth and parents let the spirit move them during the eighth annual youth rally held in Coral Harbour, July 11-18.

"It was awesome, good teachings," said Alice Simik, a parent from Rankin Inlet. She attended the rally with her 16-year-old daughter Margo.

This was Alice's third year participating in the event and Margo's second.

"They teach us the word of god, it spiritually helps us," said Alice.

The rally is held in a different Kivalliq community every year and is open to youth 12 and over.

Pastor Leonnie Duffy, with the Glad Tidings Church in Coral, has been a preacher for 30 years and she sees the rally as a medium for hope.

"It's hard to give young people hope in their lives...there is so much sadness sometimes," she said.

"To me this brings the right spirit into their lives and is very helpful in the community."

Through the rally Duffy and her instructors do more than teach the word of god.

They give youth the chance to explore their lives and their relationships with those around them.

"I want them to be able to have pride in themselves and what they learned," said Duffy.

During the seven days the youth participated in classes, played games and went on picnics.

Duffy said they also explored their inner talents.

She said she believes that given the chance all youth can discover and use their talents to strengthen their lives.

The rally is also well supported by the community. Local businesses such as the Northern Store, Calm Air and Skyward Aviation all pitched into make the event a success.

Duffy said she made hats and T-shirts for the kids to take home as well each child received a certificate of participation.