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'People were amazed' at games Annual Kitikmeot summer event held in Kugaaruk for the first time in years
Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Monday, August 26, 2013
KUGAARUK/PELLY BAY
It took a number of calls and some quick planning but Kugaaruk nailed down the right to host this year's Kitikmeot summer games and host it they did.
During the annual Kitikmeot summer games this summer, Darren Pauloosie won MVP in the junior men's category while Shirley Nartok won MVP for the junior girls. - photo courtesy of Charles Zwennes |
"I thought it wasn't going to run but we had a good game in Kugaaruk," said coach Makabe Nartok, adding it's been years since the community held the competition.
"It was fun. Lots of people showed up."
Forty-one athletes from across the region came to participate in a variety of games and cultural events, including one- and two-foot high kick, knuckle hop, the Kitikmeot arm pull, tea boiling, duck plucking, bannock making, seal skinning and traditional dress.
Nartok said the participants from Kugaaruk started practicing in June.
About 20 youth met with him three times a week so he could teach them about the games he's loved since his early 20s.
Over the months, Nartok said he noticed a progression in the youth's abilities. He said he was excited to see a number of them break their own personal records during the event.
They were all very committed, added Nartok.
"I told them, 'Before the games start, I want you guys to rest for about a week'. They didn't want to stop. They just loved the games."
The crowd also loved the event, said recreation co-ordinator Charles Zwennes, who helped with the planning.
He estimated about 400 to 500 people came out to watch in the Kugaardjuq school gym during the weekend of Aug. 16.
Zwennes, who was born in Ghana and has lived in the community for only a year, was particularly impressed by the display.
"It's amazing what people can do with some of these games," he said.
"People were surprised. People were amazed."
Leo Amerulik from Gjoa Haven was the overall winner at the 2013 games.
Three most valuable players (MVPs) were named - for the junior men it was Darren Pauloosie, the junior girls named Shirley Nartok MVP and the senior girls awarded Shella Tinashlu with MVP honours.
It took about a month to get ready for the event but Zwennes added it was worth it.
The display seemed to impress everyone, he said.
"It's brought more interest so next time maybe we can get the games in this town again."
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