ARVIAT - The fifth annual Nungnik 05 Memorial 120 Sno Challenge was held in Arviat this past month.

The annual challenge is held in memory of Jacqueline (Nungnik) Charlotte Kuksuk, who died in a tragic accident at the age of 10.

Arviat residents remember Nungnik as a popular little girl who was always smiling and had plenty of friends.

She was the daughter of David and Juanita Kuksuk.

The race features youth action in the brackets of four and five, six and seven, eight and nine, and 10 to 12 years of age.

Boys and girls race together in each division.

Kyle Kablutsiak took top spot in the youngest division, while Jaden Illnik won the six and seven group, Michael Illnik took the flag for eight and nine and Terri Rose Angalik was tops among 10-to-12 racers.

Laureen Pameolik is a close friend of the Kuksuks and has helped organize the Challenge since its beginnings.

She said the race had a strong turnout this year.

"The racers with the 120s are a little bit older, so there weren't as many actual racers," said Pameolik.

"But we had many, many other children show up to play the games on the side.

"Everyone doesn't have a 120 machine, so we hold the games on the side for those kids and that part of our event was very successful.

"It looked like the most kids we ever had come out for the games and to watch the races."

Pameolik said the Challenge - and the games held with it - remain a popular event in Arviat.

She said most of the kids who come out understand what the event is all about.

"The kids come out to have fun, and they compete in the races, but they know the day is held in Nungnik's memory.

"We started this to help the kids cope with what had happened.

"The kids need to know sometimes bad things happen, but that many good things also happen."

Pameolik said fundraising for this year's event went well.

She said the organizing committee is already looking forward to the 2010 event.

"We had a very successful penny sale and the idea to have toques with the Nungnik 05 Memorial on them has become very popular.

"There's a bunch of children in Arviat with those winter toques now.

"We'll do whatever we have to in order to keep this event going."