Brent Reaney
Northern News Services

Arviat (June 29/05) - While the total number of events still needs to be finalized, Arviat has already started preparing for the Kivalliq Traditional Summer Games.

More than just athletic events, competitors will likely be able to do everything from tea boiling to traditional clothing to rope gymnastics during the July 20-24 games.

"There's a good number of different events; more than 30," said organizer Nick Arnalukjuak, who has been heard on the radio as far away as Baker Lake promoting the upcoming event.

The final schedule was to be determined during a conference call on Friday.

Categories are divided by sex and age. Juniors are 13 to 16 years of age. Seniors are between 17 and 45 years of age and everyone older than 45 competes in the elders division. Each event allows for a maximum of two people per age and sex category per community, which ends up at a total of 11, including an official.

"The official is usually like a coach," Arnalukjuak said.

He thinks the one- and two-foot high kick - two of the most visually impressive events - are likely the most popular. But because it not always seen around town, he said traditional also catches people's attention.

Last year's kick champ

Last year's one- and two-foot high kick champion and record-setter, Whale Cove's Sean Nipisar, is now living in Churchill, Man., according to more than one person.

A community of about 350 people, Chesterfield Inlet is known for its strong traditional summer games teams.

Recreation director Greg Tanuyak has posted a sign-up sheet and is waiting to see what happens. "It all depends who wants to go," he said.

Because some people start work, "we have different players every year."

And Chesterfield is also considering attending the Northern games in Inuvik.

Expensive travel costs mean the community will likely have to choose only one event, Tanuyak said.

Arnalukjuak recognizes that a small number of people may choose to attend the Inuvik games, but still thinks the regional event will be a success.

The attendance of a special performance group from Gjoa Haven that will participate in the opening and closing ceremonies has been confirmed.

Kivalliq residents interested in competing should contact their hamlet's recreation department.