SANIRAJAK/HALL BEACH - Iglulik students packed up qamutiiks and travelled to Hall Beach for an annual exchange trip between the two communities on Feb. 18.

The trip allows students to get together and interact, Gjoa Haven's Arnaqjuaq School principal David Debrecen said. Many students in Iglulik have family members in Hall Beach and vice versa.

"Many of them are related because Iglulik's not too far away," Debrecen said. "I think it's just going to be a good time for everybody."

The journey from Iglulik to Hall Beach takes about two and a half hours by Ski-Doo, but even a short trek between the communities is considered an adventure by some students.

"Some of the kids don't get to go anywhere so even going from Iglulik to Hall Beach is a big deal," he said.

Students are getting together to play ball hockey, which Arnaqjuaq School Grade 10 teacher Rob Connors said is one of the most popular sports in the two communities.

"Ball hockey is really big in both Hall Beach and Iglulik," he said. "They're really looking forward to it."

Approximately 25 students including boys' and a girls' ball hockey teams, left Iglulik at 9 a.m. and were expected to arrive in Hall Beach shortly before noon.

Connors said the Hall Beach students were eagerly expecting their arrival.

"Oh yes, they're excited," Connors said. "They've been practising since before Christmas."

Debrecen said friendly competition between the two communities is encouraged.

"A little bit of competition is always good for people," he said.

Hall Beach residents were encouraged to come to the school to watch the ball hockey tournament and to get a chance to visit with the kids from Iglulik.

"We're going to have a meet and greet," Connors said. "We're going to have soup and sandwiches for a little gathering."

Connors said the Hall Beach students are expected to travel to Iglulik in March.

"Sometime in March we're hoping to go to Iglulik," he said. "We try to do at least one trip each way each year."

Debrecen said the mutual effort of both schools make the annual trip a success.

"I think it's just a super co-operative effort," he said. "It's a good source of teamwork."