EVENT PROFILE hosting a winter outdoor event, weather plays a factor; some outdoor sports were rescheduled when it got too cold, but overall, everything ran very smoothly.” It helped that the FMWB community showed up in a big way to support the Games. “We had 2,000 volunteers, and even during Games week other people were offering to help,” says Priest. “We worked with the First Nations and Métis groups within our region; incorporating Indigenous culture was at the root of our planning.” And while having a torch relay isn’t mandatory, the FMWB host team rallied to make it happen. The torch relay travelled to eight communities, showcasing the culture, pride and spirit of the Games, and ending at Legacy Dodge Field during the opening ceremonies. New this year, most of the sporting events were livestreamed, adds Priest. Over the week, more than 300,000 viewers from 49 countries tuned in. The excitement of the first AWG in five years and the first major event in the area since 2015 added to everyone’s enthusiasm, says Nielsen. “When I look at the legacy and the sport development opportunities for the young people in our region and for others to get involved, it’s been inspirational,” she says, noting that while the full economic impact of the Games has not been tabulated, the organizers believe it will be substantial. “Another interesting thing to see was the pride in place. We know how great it is here, but often, we feel like the rest of Canada just thinks of us as a mining community with nothing else,” says Nielsen. “So, it was great for our community to see the reaction of others visiting. It’s now opened our minds to think, ‘We can do this. Let’s bring on another event.’” Arctic Winter Games 2023 by the numbers: Location: Wood Buffalo, Alberta, January 29-February 4, 2023 Athletes: 1,345 Cultural Participants: 36 Torch Bearers: 45 from 8 communities Teams: Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Alaska, Greenland, Nunavik, northern Alberta, Norway, Sweden, Finland Volunteers: 2,000 Venues: 15 Sports: Alpine skiing, Arctic Sports, archery, badminton, basketball, biathlon ski, biathlon snowshoe, cross-country skiing, curling, Dene Games, figure skating, futsal, gymnastics, ice hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing, speed skating, table tennis, volleyball and wrestling SCAN THE QR CODE to see more photos from the Arctic Winter Games 2023 Ask me why. Ask me how. Jeannette Yetman [email protected] 1.877.739.8899 ext. 203 www.destinationstjohns.com DestinationStJohns You’ll feel right at home, no matter the colour of your jersey.
