I'm really proud of this town -- Don Cooper
by Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services
NNSL (Mar 25/98) - Acknowledging some "growing pains" and problems with over-taxed accommodations at the start of the Games, a weary but satisfied Don Cooper thanked his committee directors and volunteers for an otherwise smooth-running event.
"I'm really proud of this town, we can still do it," said the president of the 1998 Arctic Winter Games host society, which had the job of financing and co-ordinating the Games.
He summed up the week's events at a press conference at the legislature building Saturday.
Among the glitches were a crashed computer system the day before the first events began and confusion over bed space.
But by week's end, said Cooper, the Games had come together, largely thanks to the efforts of volunteers.
The number of volunteers more than tripled, to over 1,800, from only 500 three weeks ago, he reported.
Cooper also complimented members of the Whitehorse delegation for their enthusiasm and early co-ordination work. (The Yukon capital will host the 2000 Games with the theme of "Games of the New Millennium.")
The 1998 edition wrapped up Saturday night with a celebratory gala at the Community Arena that was capped by the Yukon's Northern Lights dance troupe.
The closing ceremonies were following by fireworks detonated over Frame Lake -- and the huge logistical job of transporting the hundreds of athletes and their equipment back home to dozens of circumpolar communities.
The Yellowknife airport was buzzing as charter flights left through Saturday evening and the early hours of Sunday.
