Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Jan 09/02) - Hilary Makpah has been playing Scrabble for so long she can't remember when she started.

A self-confessed "Scrabbleholic," Makpah says it's the thrill of competition that keeps bringing her back to the board. I like winning, sure, but it's the strategy of the game I enjoy the most," says Makpah.

"It's a really good feeling when you win a Scrabble game over your opponent."

Makpah was the grand champion of the first Scrabble tournament to be held during the Christmas Games in Rankin Inlet.

She and tourney co-organizer, Pierre Kolit, took home the two Arctic Winter Games jackets up for grabs in the tournament.

Kolit says Scrabble is still growing in popularity in Rankin and hopes he and fellow organizer Jerry Ell can build upon the success of the initial tournament.

"We had 11 players out for the tournament and that wasn't bad," says Kolit.

"However, there are at least 10 more good players in town who play on a full-time basis we'd like to see out for the next one."

Eight of the tournament's 11 players advanced from the round robin into the playoff segment.

The eight to advance were Kolit, Makpah, George Ipkornerk, Luke Issaluk, Mike Kusugak, Joyce Niviatsiak, Bernadette Tungalik and Jerry Ell.

Kolit says the competition was tight throughout the Scrabble tournament, with many of the games going right down to the final few turns.

"The tournament was a way for the town's Scrabble players to get out, relax and enjoy their Christmas break.

"We played from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. during a four-day period and everybody showed up for their games."

As for champion Makpah, she says she'd be quick to sign up for another tournament.

"I enjoy Scrabble very much, especially when it's challenging like this tournament was. My only disappointment in the tournament was still not being able to beat Mike Kusugak. But there will be a day!"