The Arctic Winter Games ended in Alberta. What are they?
Here’s what you need to know about this amazing competition.
This year the Arctic Winter Games were held in northern Alberta from January 29 to February 4.
Because of pandemic restrictions, it's been five years since the last competition. But they usually take place every other year. Next year, the Arctic Winter Games will be held in Alaska. Thus, the traditional schedule of the games will be normalized again.
The games attract many young athletes from small, remote areas in the circumpolar region. A trip to the Arctic Winter Games may be their first big trip from home.
"Participating in the games means a lot to me. It's a big dream come true," says one of the members of Team Nunavut, the least populated of Canada's provinces and territories.
The main participants of the Games are Greenland, Canada, Norway, Russia, USA, Finland and Sweden. However, this year the team from Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug does not take part in the competition because of sanctions.
The Arctic Winter Games include 20 sports, including ice hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding, as well as sports that are part of the Arctic all-around (Inuit games) and Dene games. Have you ever seen knuckle hop, stick pull or snow snake? These sports test the skills needed to survive in harsh Arctic conditions.
The Arctic Winter Games are also a great opportunity for residents of the Arctic territories to come together, share experiences and learn more about the culture and lifestyle of their neighbors.
"I hope more and more people each year become interested in Indigenous people culture," said torchbearer Melanie Walsh.
