Repulse Bay (Mar 22/06) - There was a big surprise waiting at home for the Repulse Bay athletes who represented Nunavut at the Arctic Winter Games earlier this month.

The athletes could see a large gathering of people at the terminal building as they approached the runway.

Once on the ground, they could see the welcome home banner on the gate as they taxied to the terminal.

The building erupted as the athletes entered and they were met with another banner expressing the community's pride in their performance.

Volleyball coach Brent Urie said it was exciting to come in on the airplane and see the big banner hanging on the fence.

The Team Nunavut volleyball team finished fourth at the Games, Nunavut's highest placing ever.

"The kids weren't expecting anything like that, so they were pleased everyone knew how well they did," said Urie.

"It was a great feeling to know the whole community was proud of them.

"They knew they had done better than any Nunavut volleyball team before them, so they were proud to begin with, but the welcome certainly helped further that feeling.

"It was a special moment for the kids."

Tusarvik school staff member Goretti Tinashlu organized a candy toss, and kindergarten teacher Ducas Milortok came up with the idea for her class to make the two banners to greet the athletes.

Milortok took the time to explain what the Games were all about to the 12 young students and why they should be proud of their athletes.

"A number of the kids had relatives who went to the Games, so they were really proud of how well they did," said Milortok.

"There was a lot of clapping and yelling when the athletes came home.

"When they walked into the terminal it was really loud because the community was so proud of them."

Milortok said when the athletes were asked to leave the terminal there was another large crowd waiting to shake hands and welcome them back.

"The athletes were taken up on a little hill where everyone could see them and then the candy was tossed to the crowd.

"Everyone was pretty excited and it was a nice way to welcome them home."