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Inuvik to send 18 athletes to games
Road to get to Whitehorse harder for some athletes than othersKatherine Hudson Northern News Services Published Thursday, February 2, 2012
Inuvik is offering 18 of its shining athletes for the games, which are taking place in Whitehorse from March 4 to 10. Out of 18 categories, Inuvik athletes are participating in nine. According to Theresa Ross, regional recreation co-ordinator for the Beaufort Delta, all Beaufort Delta communities have at least one participant who made the Arctic Winter Games team. Dave Halpine and his wife, Kim, both got entry into the games through competing in the Arctic sports category. However, they are not 100 per cent sure if they will be able to go. The couple have four children, the youngest still breastfeeding and the oldest in Grade 1, and children won't be permitted in the dorms the rest of the athletes will be staying in, according to Halpine. "Now we've got to find a place to stay, find a way to get down there and we've got to find a way to feed ourselves and find someone to look after our kids," said Dave. He said for all other events, the sports are focused on youth – whereas in the Arctic sports, the age category is more open. Although there is a challenge ahead for the pair – Halpine said when he heard he was accepted, he was ecstatic. "It's a thrill because I've never been to real games like this," he said. Another Arctic sport athlete, Karla DeBastien first demonstrated the Arctic sports at the Canada Winter Games in 2007 in Whitehorse. Now, she's on her way back to Whitehorse with Arctic sports once again. "My favourite part is just meeting people and hanging out with them," she said of the weekend-long trials held in Inuvik this week. Donald Kuptana, an official for the Arctic sports, said he enjoys seeing youth compete, socialize and try their hardest. "They're doing really well. When they practise to do their best, they'll always come out proud," he said.
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