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Northern News Services
The people
Teams: Nunavut, NWT, Alberta, Yukon, Nunavik, Alaska, Greenland, Chukotka (Russia), and Magadan (Russia) Venues Forward Operating Location, Road to Nowhere, Frobisher Bay ice, Inuksuk high school, Nakasuk school, arenas, Frobisher Curling Club Sports - Iqaluit Arctic sports, basketball, curling, mushing, Dene games, gymnastics, hockey, speed skating, wrestling Sports - Nuuk Arctic sports, Dene Games, volleyball, snowshoeing, indoor soccer, alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, table tennis, badminton Time for culture A $1.5-million grant from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. promises to make the Iqaluit cultural programs the biggest ever. Events include song workshop, nightly performances at the NTI Arctic Winter Games Plaza, drum and printmaking workshops, throat-singing choir, storytelling, Inuktitut lessons, Iglu village and historical display, Arctic Film Showcase and much more. |
The biggest sporting event in the North began Sunday with ceremonies in Iqaluit and Nuuk, Greenland.
"When we were part of the NWT, we part of a big blob," said Manitok Thompson, the Nunavut government minister responsible for the Games. "We are unique over here. Nunavut is a unique place to visit.
"It's really good promotion for the territory and Iqaluit."
Singer Lucie Idlout never competed in the Games, but co-wrote and sang the AWG theme song at yesterday's opening ceremonies. Idlout, Madeleine Allakariallak and Greenlander Mads Lumholt wrote the song, a mix of throat singing and traditional Greenlandic songs.
She, too, sees the Games as important for Iqaluit and all of Nunavut. "We've arrived. Iqaluit has a special opportunity to share what we're known for, which is great hospitality."
City has grown
That hospitality is being put to the test this week. During the past few days, more than 1,000 people -- athletes, coaches, cultural delegates, mission staff, and media -- arrived on chartered and scheduled flights.
Getting ready for them all proved to be a bit of a challenge for Games organizers.
While most of Iqaluit was shut down by blizzards on Monday and Tuesday, the AWG office was in full swing.
"Even with the horrific weather, we had the full team in," said Tamara Macpherson, external relations manager for the Iqaluit host committee. "There was a real sense of urgency."
Thompson said the excitement was noticeable on the streets of the city and in her own home.
"It's just been a riot," she laughed. "There are so many committees. There (were) meetings happening every night. My husband was getting calls at 7:30 in the morning."
Thousands of kilometres away, members of Team NWT were full of anticipation as they prepared for this week's events.
Chris Stipdonk, a 16-year-old badminton player from Fort Simpson, said the Arctic Winter Games represent competitiveness and trying one's best. There is a great deal of interest in the Games, he noted. "Everyone wants to go so it's like, 'Wow, you've made it -- congratulations.' "
Jonah Bonnetrouge, a 17-year-old cross country skier from Fort Providence, has set his sights high.
"I'm looking for experience and taking home the gold," he said.
Competing in the 10-kilometre freestyle and 7.5-km classic events, he has been training daily for the past few months, he said. He added that people in the community have been very supportive.
"(They've been) wishing me good luck," he said.
In Inuvik, Ryan Wilson from Fort McPherson was preparing for his first Games. He competes in the Jr. Men's Dene Games.
Wilson, 16, is in Nuuk and thinks the games are a great venue to showcase the talent in the North. "I think it's a good opportunity for people to show off their skills," he said. His best event is in the snowsnake.
Competition began Sunday and continues through Saturday's closing ceremonies.
