Arviat (May 03/06) - Arviat's annual Easter Games are being hailed as a success despite the actions of a group of mischievous youth.

The youth forced organizers to close the community hall when they wouldn't stop throwing snowballs into the lobby and hall area.

The games attract hundreds of participants, the majority of whom are youth.

Recreation co-ordinator Nick Arnalukjuak said the Easter Games are always eagerly anticipated by the community.

He said it's unfortunate to see the event marred by the actions of a few.

"Kids were throwing snowballs into the hall and wouldn't stop when asked, so it had to be closed early," said Arnalukjuak.

"Things getting out of control at public events has been a problem in Arviat during the past couple of years.

"It was a big crowd and once they started throwing snowballs inside, there was no choice but to close the hall.

"This was the first time I can remember anything like this happening during the Easter Games."

Arnalukjuak said there are far more good youth in Arviat than bad, but the ones who won't follow the rules are ruining it for others.

He said the majority of those who came out to the games just wanted to have fun and compete for prizes.

"The reality of the situation is that kids seem to do whatever they want these days, both good and bad.

"While there's more good than bad, when it turns bad it can get pretty ugly."

Arnalukjuak said most of the people he spoke to enjoyed the games.

He said the Easter crowds are often larger than those at Christmas. "The big reason for that is because it's a little warmer, so people probably enjoy taking part in the outside activities more.

"The Games are for everybody, but we try to focus as much as we can on themes geared for kids and families.

"During Easter we'll have Easter gift bags and eggs, but the big draw is always the cash prizes.

"There are those who would come out and enjoy themselves for any little prize, but I'm being honest when I say people come out in droves to win cash."