Inuvik - The traditional games of the Western Arctic have always drawn large crowds, and this year, organizers called on audiences to try their luck.

An Arctic sports demonstration at Oceans Day last Saturday opened the floor to contestants.

Arctic sports athlete James Williams reaches up for the two-foot-high kick while facilitator Edward Lennie looks on. Traditional games were demonstrated at Oceans Day celebrations this past weekend. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Edward Lennie brought out the high-kick pole and a few young athletes were on stage to perform for the crowd.

Fisheries officer Cal Wenghofer answered an open call to the audience for a try at the arm pull event. After seeing some of the demonstrators show how the game is played, Wenghofer sat down in front of his opponent and pulled so hard it forced the rival to release his grip.

In less than a minute, he won his debut match in front of hundreds of people.

After the pull, Wenghofer joined his daughters at the play zone, where he answered a few questions about his foray into traditional games.

"I've been up here for a few years now and it was awesome. My first time trying it out," he said. "It was a lot of fun."

Earlier that day, he took part in the canoe race at Boot Lake.

Wenghofer said he didn't prepare for the arm pull and has the utmost respect for his opponent.

"I know Kyle from hockey and he's a tough guy," said the newcomer to the sport.

"It was like pulling a heavy weight for an extended period of time, which got pretty tough."

He had a few words of advice for anyone who wants to try the arm pull.

"Put on a few pounds, I think it helps," he laughed.

Athlete Geo Pascal, 16, said he has been involved in Arctic sports for the past three years.

Performing in front of an audience is nothing new to him.

"I've been doing this with the others for a while now," he said.

What is the most challenging game for someone who is strong and steady?

"The one-hand reach is the hardest game for me," said Pascal.

The one arm reach is also the hardest game according to James Williams, who has taken part in the games for years as well.

"It's hard because you have to balance on one arm and touch the seal with the other, while keeping your balance," he said.

Williams said the sports can be challenging, but keeping the tradition alive is worth it.

Facilitator Edward Lennie has been called the father of Arctic sports because of his longtime involvement with the culture.

He said he recalls Canadian Forces, drill commanders would bow to the workout given by the Arctic games.

"These games are physically challenging and there's a good reason for that," said Lennie.

"We always used to tell people that it's never acceptable to quit, because giving up could mean a lot if you're on the land."

Lennie said it was good to see some new faces like Wenghofer's on stage because it passes on knowledge of the sport to others.