DEH CHO - While many Canadians will watch the 2010 Olympics on their televisions Tyson McLeod of Fort Liard will be at the heart of the action.

"I don't even know where to start," said McLeod while trying to list all the things he's looking forward to about the Olympics.

Youth ambassadors Calvin Lomen, left, Tyson McLeod and Cheryl Bertrand will be representing both their home community of Fort Liard and the whole of the Northwest Territory at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. - photo courtesy of Roslyn Gardner-Firth

McLeod, 18, is one of approximately 36 youth from across the territory who will attend the Olympics as Youth Ambassadors. Other ambassadors from the Deh Cho include Cheryl Bertrand and Calvin Lomen also of Fort Liard, Shawna McLeod of Fort Providence, Malorey Nirlungayuk of Fort Simpson, Vanessa Sanguez of Jean Marie River and Breagh Ingarfield of Nahanni Butte.

The purpose of the Youth Ambassadors Program is to provide youth ages 17 to 25 with the opportunity to volunteer at a significant event.

That experience helps them gain skills and confidence that they can use throughout their lives, said Ian Legaree, the director of sport, recreation and youth with the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

The Olympics will be the fourth time the program has been run. Previously youth volunteers were sent to the 2007 Canada Games in Whitehorse, the 2008 Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife and the 2008 North American Indigenous Games in B.C.

During the program many of the ambassadors undergo a noticeable transformation. They change from being shy and reserved to confident and strong, said Legaree.

"It's just a significant and notable impact on these young people," he said.

The Olympic ambassadors have been divided into four groups and most will spend between 10 to 12 days in Vancouver.

Groups will be present for the first and second half of the Olympics and also the Paralympics. Their tasks will be to help performers from the territory, assist with the Inuit and Dene Games performance, and act as greeters at Canada's Northern House.

The fourth group will be in Vancouver for the entire games working with the Olympic Organizing Committee at some of the sporting events, said Legaree.

Both Tyson McLeod and Cheryl Bertrand will be at the second half of the Olympics from Feb. 18 to 28. Both agree this is a once in a lifetime experience.

"I'm nervous about the volunteer part but excited about being there," said McLeod.

McLeod said he knows that a lot of people will have questions about the NWT and the North and he wants to have the right answers. To help with this all of the ambassadors attended a training event in Yellowknife from Oct. 2 to 6. The course focused on public relations, first aid and tips for travelling in a large city.

Bertrand already has some experience in these areas. She was a youth ambassador at the 2008 North American Indigenous Games.

"I gained more confidence, independence and leadership skills and communication skills like speaking in public, she said.

Bertrand, 18, said she plans to build on those skills at the Olympics and is looking forward to "going down there and representing the NWT and my community."

In Fort Simpson, 18-year-old Malorey Nirlungayuk is also getting excited.

Nirlungayuk, who will be at the Paralympics from March 11 to 21, is looking forward to meeting the athletes and different people from around the world.

"It's a great opportunity for anyone in the North and I'm happy to be part of it," Nirlungayuk said.