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Pepped up for the games Darrell Greer Northern News Services Published Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Arctic Winter Games (AWG) contingent from Rankin was celebrated with a huge pep rally at Manni Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) this past week. Almost the entire student body attended the event, as well as the majority of students from Simon Alaittuq School (SAS), which was organized by physical education teacher Steve Faulkner and held in the school gymnasium. MUI principal Jesse Payne said staff members felt it was important to acknowledge the student athletes, as well as the coaches, officials and mission staff from Rankin taking part in the Games. He said pep rallies are traditionally high-energy events that send the athletes off on a positive note. "We introduced them all to the student body and had them come in wearing their AWG clothing," said Payne. "We felt it important for the school to wish them farewell and the best of luck at the Games." Faulkner said the AWG pep rally used to be held when the high school grades were situated at SAS (then known as Alaittuq High School). He said the rallies were quite popular in those years, and he wanted to start a new run of AWG pep rallies at MUI. "We made it a big deal during those years at the other school, trying to honour the students, athletes and various participants who were going away to the Games," said Faulkner. "They work hard for a lot of years to get to this level, and it's a worthy thing to recognize their accomplishments. "Everyone who could attend the rally at MUI this past week was there, so I was very pleased with the turnout. "Everyone was loud and we saw a lot of school and community spirit evident, and that was the whole idea of having the rally." Faulkner said the buzz surrounding the Games continues to grow in the school every AWG year. He said the younger students really look up to the older athletes and participants ahead of them in school who are selected for the Games. "When they see all the excitement and everything, they want to get to that level, as well, when they get older. "So, in that respect, it really feeds off itself from Games to Games." As a physical education teacher, Faulkner said he's happy with the number of Rankin athletes he sees selected to represent Nunavut at every AWG. He said Rankin always has a good showing when it comes to the number of AWG athletes selected from the several main sports the community participates in. "We're a little more competitive in some sports than others, but Rankin has some of the best athletes I've seen in my life. "But, at the same time, a big part of the talk I've heard during the past few weeks, or so, has been about meeting new people and trading clothing and pins at the Games. "There's two sides to the AWG. One is the sports side and the other is the social side. "And I think both sides are going to get a lot of attention in Whitehorse this week." A number of people addressed the crowd during the rally, including volleyball official Mary Tatty - who will represent Rankin at the Games along with hockey official Max MacDonald - and Kivalliq Inuit Association president David Ningeongan. Ningeongan, carrying the territorial flag, led the rally in a Nunavut chant after being introduced to the crowd by Payne. He spoke briefly to the gathering, reminiscing about his own time competing at the AWG in the sport of hockey, and told the young athletes to enjoy the experience. "I am one who is fortunate enough to be going to Whitehorse to see some of the Games," said Ningeongan. "I know everyone wishes they could be there, but I will do my best to keep everybody up to date on what's happening on Facebook and stuff. "To the athletes who are going; don't be nervous, just go out there and have fun and enjoy the experience. "I'm sure everyone will do their best at whatever sport they're competing in, and will represent Nunavut in a way that will make us all proud."
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