ARVIAT - The sixth annual Nungnik 05 Memorial 120 Sno Challenge was hailed as the most successful to date in Arviat earlier this month.

Michael Illnik is saluted after taking the flag for the 10 to 12year-olds at the Nungnik Memorial Race in Arviat earlier this month. - photo courtesy of the Mikilaaq Centre

The event is held in memory of Jacqueline (Nungnik) Charlotte Kuksuk, who lost her life in a tragic ATV accident at the age of 10.

The daughter of David and Juanita Kuksuk, Nungnik is remembered in Arviat as a popular little girl who could light up a room or brighten a day with her smile.

The event in her memory has racing in four age groups, with racers aged four and five, six and seven, eight and nine and 10 to 12 all competing for the checkered flag in their category.

The committee that plans and fundraises for the event is made up of Laureen Pameolik, Jessie Kaludjak, Juanita KingKuksuk, Lorraine Kablutsiak, Sharon Illnik and Elizabeth Issakiark.

A number of games and activities are also held during the Sno Challenge.

In this year's racing action, Michael Illnik took top spot in the 10-to-12 bracket, while Cameron Angalik won for aged eight and nine, and Jaden Illnik took the flag for the six- and seven-year-olds.

Ethan (Nungnik) Kuksuk, who is named after Jacqueline, won the youngest bracket.

Pameolik said while the Sno Challenge had about the same number of racers as past years, there were many more people out for the activities.

She said the event featured numerous games, foot races, a fishing derby and an egg toss, among others.

"We had activities for all ages, including elders and babies, so a lot of people took part," said Pameolik.

"We saw the biggest crowds yet come out, so that tells us it's an annual event the people in Arviat now look forward to."

Pameolik said the committee tries to hold the Nungnik Memorial at the same time as other big events, such as the snowmobile races or fishing derbies, so there's more people in town.

She said Mother Nature co-operated again this year and provided a beautiful day for the events.

"We get the information out to the kids every year so they understand why we hold this event, and, also, to encourage more families to come out and have fun together.

"Last year we had hats with Nungnik 05 Memorial on them, but, this year, we have T-shirts with her picture on them.

"All the racers will receive one, and we'll also be selling them to raise money towards next year's race and activities.

"The T-shirts are absolutely beautiful, and we also have a huge banner now with Nungnik's picture and the name of the event on it."