Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 11/02) - Just 10 days before thousands of athletes and visitors flocked to the capital to partake in sport and culture, the president of the 2002 Arctic Winter Games Host Society resigned.

Jerry Ell cited personal reasons for his resignation. The incident comes just weeks after he threatened to resign.

Victor Tootoo was appointed president in Ell's place.

"It's unfortunate that it had to happen at this stage of the game, but the volunteers have done so much it's like being on auto-pilot," said Tootoo.

"It's just a matter of making sure all the plans are followed through with," he said.

Tootoo, with the Games' Board of Directors since their inception in 1999, formerly acted as the director of finance and administration.