BAKER LAKE - A special event was held at Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School in Baker Lake to pay tribute to its Arctic Winter Games (AWG) athletes earlier this month.

Baker Lake Arctic Winter Games athletes Kent dePeuter, back, and Michael Kotelewetz, Anthyme Kadjuk, Eric Perkison, Arnold Arngna'naaq, Tuupik Noah and Harry Aupaluktuq, from left, were treated to a special event at Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School in Baker earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Jimmy Qaqqaq

Arnold Arngna'naaq was among the athletes honoured by the school.

Arngna'naaq, 16, brought home three wrestling uluit from the AWG - an outstanding result, considering he only got interested in the sport about eight months ago.

The Grade 10 student said he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the AWG in Grande Prairie, Alta.

"I never really did that much out in the town because I was mostly focused on my wrestling and trying to win medals," said Arngna'naaq.

"I only went to one tournament before the AWG, so I was pretty happy to win a silver and two bronze medals.

"I got a bronze for team wrestling and individual wrestling, and a silver for Inuit wrestling."

Arngna'naaq said competition was high at the AWG, and he enjoyed wrestling athletes from so many different areas.

He said the styles used by his opponents were very different, depending on what area they were from.

"I was in the 82-kg class and the guys from Alaska were big and fast, while the Alberta wrestlers were slow and steady.

"Everyone had their own style, but I didn't worry about what they were doing too much.

"I just tried to put them down and go for the pin, or keep them down and get points that way."

Arngna'naaq said he wasn't expecting the school to hold a special event for the AWG athletes.

He said he was a little nervous and all hyped-up about it all at once.

"I got into wrestling just to try it out and I was a little surprised to find out I was pretty good at it.

"I stuck with it and got selected for the territorial tournament in Iqaluit, and then got picked for Team Nunavut at the AWG.

"I also enjoy playing ping pong, volleyball and basketball.

"I love sports and I'm going to stay involved with athletics for as long as I can."