AWG 2024 Celebration

The 2024 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) were held March 10 – 16, 2024 in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska, USA.  The area is also known as the Mat-Su Borough or Mat-Su Valley.  Seventeen athletes & two coaches from Arctic Bay attended the Games as part of Team Nunavut.  They competed in a variety of sports & events, and some won medals.  I wish I was there to watch and cheer them on.

Eight teams competed in this year’s games: Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta North, Nunavut, Nunavik-Quebec, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), and Sapmi.  Russia’s Yamal region was suspended from participating due to Russia’s war with Ukraine.  The suspension extends to the 2026 Games.  Participating teams are organized by regions rather than countries like in the Olympics.

Everybody in Arctic Bay followed the Games, eager to learn the latest news and progress of our athletes.  Students & staff watched live coverage of several events in their classrooms.  Winners were announced during morning announcements.  I’m certain many students were inspired to become AWG athletes.

When the AWG finished on March 16, the topics of how to welcome back & celebrate the athletes’ achievements came to mind.  The Hamlet of Arctic Bay informed the community they were organizing a ceremony at the community hall on March 19.  They also added that the athletes would return on March 18 & 19.  This news gave the students & staff of Inuujaq School an idea.

Classes made “Welcome Back!” and “Congratulations!” posters.  On the afternoon of March 18, everyone assembled outside the school near the main road, holding their posters, and waiting for the arrival of the athletes.  A few students & teachers held Inuit drums.  The convoy of vehicles came into view.  The lead vehicle was a firetruck.  The firetruck’s siren began to sound as the convoy neared us.  The vehicles behind it followed suit by honking their horns.  The crowd clapped, cheered, and waved at the passing vehicles.  Inuit drums were played.  The athletes & drivers waved back.  Everyone returned to their classes after the convoy passed.

The same procession was repeated on the afternoon of March 19.  The firetruck led the convoy blaring its siren and the vehicles behind it honked their horns.  Everyone clapped, cheered, and waved again. 

I arrived at the community hall 5:30pm and found a seat.  The hall was decorated with posters and Nunavut flags.  A large poster with the names of the athletes & coach was pasted to the backstage wall.  I came dressed in my military dress uniform because I wanted to get a few photos with the athletes who were & are army cadets.  I also asked a few current cadets to also wear their dress uniforms.

The ceremony began at 5:45pm with a welcome speech from the Recreation Coordinator.  Hamlet Council sat on stage.  The team was introduced and walked into the hall to loud applause and cheers.  This was followed by more speeches from Hamlet council members, the mayor, and members of the public.  The athletes & coaches were called up individually to receive a congratulatory certificate from the mayor.  The coaches were given extra thanks for leading the team.

The presentations were followed by two performances.  The first performance was a square dance done by kids.  The second performance was a song duet with a vocalist & guitarist.  The two sang a few classic songs they recorded many years ago when they were in a band.

The ceremony concluded with the team posing for a group photograph.  Many people took pictures with their phones & cameras.  When everyone was dismissed to the reception tables, I walked up to the cadet athletes and asked if they’d be willing to take a group photo for the corps.  They said yes.  I personally congratulated them for winning medals at the AWG after the photos were taken.                          

The after-ceremony reception consisted of various snacks and beverages.  I stayed for a little bit before heading home.

Once again, congratulations to Team Nunavut & the Arctic Bay contingent for representing the region at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games!  The next Arctic Winter Games will be in Whitehorse in 2026.  Hopefully I’ll find a way to attend.