NEWS ULUThe official newspaper of The winTer Games friday, March 14, 2008 In today’s photo Merle Robillard ULU news… Best dressed Teams barter for jacket, uniforms … See page 15

Friends for life Athletes make lasting connections … See page 10

Memory lane Participants share best experiences of 2008 games … See page 14

medal count

Team Gold Silver Bronze Total

Alaska 53 37 52 142

NWT 25 29 22 76

Yamal 35 27 11 73

Yukon 19 13 22 54

N. 10 21 14 45

Nunavut 10 18 15 43

Saami 5 5 6 16

Nunavik 5 5 5 15

Greenland 3 7 4 14

Saami performer Elle Sofe Henriksen dances at NACC during the AWG Cultural Gala. Also inside: day in pictures • contingent profiles • athlete profiles 2 ULU NEWS Issue 5, March 14, 2008 2008 arctic winter games venue map

SCHEDULE OF SPORTING EVENTS – FRIDAY, MARCH 14 ArctIc SportS - St. Joe’s Gymnasium doG MuShInG - Back Bay - olympic Ice Surface 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Open Sledge Jump 11:00a.m.-12:30p.m. Juvenile 5 Dog, 10km 8:30a.m.-2:00p.m. 1000m Juvenile Jr. Sledge Jump 2:00p.m.-3:30p.m. Co-Ed Jr. 7 Dog, 13km 1500m Junior 2000m Juvenile Relay - Sir John Gymnasium hockeY - Shorty Brown and olympic Ice Surfaces 3000m Junior Relay Semi & Final Rounds Bronze Medal Games 8:00a.m.-5:30p.m. Jr. Male/Female, Juvenile Male/Female 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m. Shorty Midget - range lake north Gymnasium Singles, Doubles, Mixed, Courts 1-4 11:30a.m.-2:00p.m. Shorty Bantam Preliminary Rounds 2:00p.m.-4:30p.m. Shorty Female 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Mixed Doubles - Weledeh Gymnasium Gold Medal Games Semi & Final Rounds Bronze Medal Game 3:00p.m.-5:30p.m. Olympic Bantam 1:00p.m.-5:00p.m. 2 Player Teams 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. Jr. Female 5:30p.m.-8:00p.m. Olympic Female Mixed Doubles 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Jr. Male 8:00p.m.-10:30p.m. Olympic Midget Doubles Gold Medal Game Singles 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. Jr. Female Indoor Soccer - St. patrick’s and Weledeh Gymnasiums 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Jr. Male 8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. St. Pat’s Jr. Male 1st vs 4th - Yk Arena, courts 1 & 2 8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. Weledeh Jr. Female 1st vs 4th Bronze Medal Games SnoWShoe - Yk Ski club 9:00a.m.-10:00a.m. St. Pat’s Jr. Male 2nd vs 3rd 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m. Jr. Male 9:30a.m.-12:00p.m. 4 x 3 Relay Competition 9:00a.m.-10:00a.m. Weledeh Jr. Female 2nd vs 3rd 2:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Jr. Female Gold Medal Games croSS-countrY SkIInG - Yk Ski club 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. St. Pat’s Juvenile Male 1st vs 4th 4:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Jr. Female 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Relay Mass Start 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Weledeh Juvenile Female 1st vs 4th 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Jr. Male 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. St. Pat’s Juvenile Male 2nd vs 3rd - Yk curling club 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Weledeh Juvenile Female 2nd vs 3rd Bronze Medal Game 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. St. Pat’s Intermediate Female 1st vs 4th 9:30a.m.-12:20p.m. cultural 1:00p.m.-2:00p.m. St. Pat’s Intermediate Female 2nd vs 3rd Jr. Male 27: Bronze Ulu Loser vs Winner Jr. Male 25 Schedule Jr. Female 28: Bronze Ulu Loser vs Winner Jr. Female 26 Bronze Medal Games 4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. St. Pat’s Jr. Female Gold Medal Game performing Arts cultural Gala evenings 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. St. Pat’s Jr. Male 2:30p.m.-5:30p.m. Northern Arts and Cultural Centre 8:00 p.m. Jr. Male: Gold/Silver Winner Jr. Male 23 vs Winner Jr. Male 27 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m. St. Pat’s Juvenile Female Visual Arts Art Installation project Jr. Female: Gold/Silver Winner Jr. Female 25 vs Winner Jr. Female 28 7:00p.m.-8:00p.m. St. Pat’s Juvenile Male Kimberlite Centre 10:00a.m.–6:00p.m. 8:00p.m.-9:00p.m. St. Pat’s Intermediate Female GAMeS - Athletes centre Main Stage Visual Arts contingent Visual Arts exhibition Hand Games - Bristol pit Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre 10:00a.m.–6:00 p.m. 8:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Jr. Male 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Quarter Pipe Visual Arts “creartik” Jr. Female SnoWShoe - Yk Golf club Elks Hall 10:00a.m.–6:00 p.m. Juvenile Female 10:00a.m. 5km Juvenile Male/Female Open Male 7.5km Jr. Female Visual Arts Art of the Spectator exhibition 4:30p.m.-6:00p.m. FINALS 10km Jr. Male Tree of Peace 12:00p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Full schedule and results can be found at the Arctic Winter Games website awg2008.ca 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 5, March 14, 2008 ULU NEWS 3 daily wrap-up

Team NWT’s Darryl Tait hits a backflip in the junior male big air competition. Team speed skater continues gold ulu haul Alberta wrestlers pound competition, Alaska runs away with ulu lead

by Daniel T’seleie familiar story for Henry. He won the 500-metre race on Tuesday by eam Yukon won another half a second and the 1,000-metre ulu for dog mushing on Monday by only one tenth of a yesterday. Rachel and second. Ben Kinvig finished with Alaska is still leading in ulus. a combined time of 30 They've been averaging more Tminutes and six seconds in the than 30 a day since the start of four dog 7.5-kilometre juvenile co- the Games, and yesterday the ed team race. The time was good Americans were true to form. The enough for gold. Alaskan snowboarders came out This is Rachel's second gold ulu strong for the third day, winning of the Games. The weather was four medals in the big air competi- cold, but not cold enough to affect tion. the dogs, the team said. The fresh Wrestlers also had a good day snow does affect performance, yesterday. Americans took 10 ulus slowing the team down. But this is in , seven of them felt by all the teams. gold. This brings Alaska's ulu count photos Daniel T’seleie Daniel photos The duo may have had some to 22 for this week's wrestling Ben Kinvig and his four-dog team cross the finish line in the 7.5-kilometre juvenile co-ed team race. He and teammate help from the course design, events. Rachel Kinvig had the fastest combined time and won gold in the event. which is “good, but boring,” Allison Ducker and Hannah Rachel said. “It just goes straight, Summers earned another dog The Alaskan Dene games team results were unavailable, but the in the up to 82 kilograms male there's no hills.” Her dogs are mushing medal for Team Alaska, put up a strong fight in the pole- team was confident they would division. used to running uphill. finishing behind NWT's Jason push yesterday. They say the trick perform well. It was another good day for Yukon speed skater Troy Baxter and Alexis Campbell to win is teamwork and communication. Wrestlers from Team Alberta Alberta's snowboarders. Their Henry took his third gold ulu of silver in the six dog – 10-kilometre Determination plays a big part North made a name for them- jumps won them four ulus in the the week in the 777-metre junior junior coed team race. Summers too. selves on the mat yesterday. The big air competition. Boarders Alex male event. Henry finished a also took the bronze in Wednes- “You fall, you've got to get back team won seven ulus in the Inuit Cyr and Brooke Voigt both won mere 0.12 seconds behind NWT's day's six dog – 10-kilometre junior up,” said athlete Aurora Warrior. wrestling events. Devin Huggard- their third ulu in the event. For Angus Smith. Close finishes are a co-ed race. As of press time the pole-push McInnis fought his way to gold Voigt it was her third gold. 4 ULU NEWS Issue 5, March 14, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 5, March 14, 2008 ULU NEWS 5 daily wrap-up soccer unbeaten Yamal and NWT form bond, Saami wins in cross-country skiing

by Jennifer McPhee Greenland's badminton play- ers are still “rallying down the eam Greenland's junior highway,” says Greenland chef de male soccer team heads mission Claus Nielsen. “They're still into the semi-finals They’re still going strong,” he says. tomorrow in first place. Team Greenland's junior male Greenland won their going strong. and female volleyball team played Tlast non-playoff game yesterday, its first semi-final volleyball game beating 11-7. Even though yesterday. The junior boys lost the undefeated team continued its 15-12 against Nunavut – in a match winning streak, it played its weak- that went the full five games – and est soccer yet during this game, ing soccer, said coach Vyacheslav will play for the bronze medal says chef de mission Claus Nielsen. Teryukhov. Considering these ad- tomorrow. Chef staff person Finn The team and goalie over-relaxed justments, the team's performance Nielsen said the team was disap- and didn't perform to their usual is satisfactory, he says. pointed that it didn't beat Nunavut standards because they were enter- Team Yamal has really enjoyed yesterday. “But Nunavut plays ing the semi-finals in first place no playing against Team NWT, because well,” he says. matter what, said Nielsen. the players on this team are techni- Unsurprisingly, Yamal racked up Team Yamal's junior boys are in cally strong, and also a nice bunch several medals in the open female second place heading into the semi- of people. In fact, Bikbulatov would team event yester- finals, followed by Team NWT. The like to establish some kind of con- day, and earned more medals in two teams faced off yesterday, and tinuous relationship with the team. biathlon and cross-country skiing the score was tied 3-3, until Azat So maybe next time the NWT Team yesterday. McPhee Jennifer photo Bikbulatov scored his third goal for could travel to and play It took gold in the biathlon Team Yamal’s junior male soccer team is ranked second heading into the Team Yamal in the last few minutes under international rules? four-by-four-kilometre junior mix semi-finals of the game. “That would be very good,” he (this result was still provisional as medal. Ivanov won his first medal in three silver cross-country skiing Afterwards, Bikbulatov said says, with a smile. of press time). And Yamal's cross- the rail jam juvenile male category medals yesterday. It took the gold the Russian soccer players had to NWT junior boys coach, Jack country team won gold ulus in the on Wednesday, and his second in ulu in the juvenile male two-and- quickly adjust to different rules Simpson, says both teams have junior male and juvenile female the big air juvenile male category a-half-kilometre classic relay. And and a different ball. The Russians watched and admired each other's two-and-a-half-kilometre classic. In yesterday. it won silver ulus in the two-and-a- are used to playing according to style of soccer over the course of the two-and-a-half kilometre classic This is Ivanov's first time snow- half-kilometre juvenile female clas- FIFA rules, and the ball used during the Games. Team Yamal is “techni- male juvenile division, Team Yamal boarding outside of Russia and it sic relay, the junior male two-and- these Games is softer and more cally phenomenal” and plays soccer secured the silver ulu. has been interesting for him to see a-half kilometre classic relay and bouncy, he says. with creativity, he says. Simpson For the second day in a row, how the sport has developed in the midget male two-and-a-half The team has basically had to said he would also like to keep in Evgenly Ivanov surprised his team other countries, he says. kilometre classic (results were still learn a totally new way of play- touch with Team Yamal. by winning a bronze snowboarding Team Saami won one gold and provisional as of press time). 6 ULU NEWS Issue 5, March 14, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 5, March 14, 2008 ULU NEWS 7 daily wrap-up

Nunavik Dene games coach Pauyungie Nutaraaluk huddles with her athletes before competition Wednesday. Nunavut v-ball vies for gold Medal rounds abound as teams try for ulus

by Lisa scott bronze. On the female side Deidra- lee Roy won bronze. he week is quickly wrap- At the hockey rink, the junior ping up and Team NWT is girls team made the playoffs, play- heading in the semi-final ing Thursday night against Alberta. badminton competition That match determines if they strong today. Juvenile make it to the gold medal game on Tfemale Pooja Chugh enters the Friday. The bantam boys are also singles competition in first place in the playoffs round. Scores for with five wins ahead of Greenland both games were not available by and Yukon. Chugh has had good press time. games so far and is also heading into the semi-finals in third place Nunavut in female doubles with partner Gil- Team Nunavut had another lian Waugh and in mixed doubles good day at the speed skating with partner John Stanga. oval, as Manasie Kendall won his “It’s going good so far. I’m third bronze in the junior boys making sure my leg is doing okay 777-metre race. The junior boys for semis and hopefully for finals,” rivalry of Troy Henry of the Yukon, says Chugh about an injury in her Angus Smith of NWT and Kendall photos Lisa Scott photos leg she came into the has continued all Steven Hussey of team NWT in the big air competition held Thursday at Bristol Games with. games, Henry took Pit. Waugh has had a gold and Smith won tough games, pulling I’m making silver in Thursday’s midget boys are having a great tied for third place. They start her shoulder and back sure my leg race. tourney, entering the playoffs on playoff action today against the muscles in a game David Coulombe Thursday. They played Alaska, but undefeated team from Greenland. against Greenland, is doing okay continued his winning lost 10-4. They’ll play the bronze On the girls side Vanessa leaving her out of the streak Thursday, win- medal match this morning versus Aragutak and Anna Keatainaq singles semis. for semis and ning the 666-metre NWT at the Multiplex arena. didn’t make it to the semi-final Badminton playoffs hopefully for juvenile boys final. In a nail-biting game, Nunavut rounds, ending with respectable should be exciting Coulombe now has edged team NWT 77-76 in Basket- finishes in womens singles and for team NWT start- finals. two golds and a silver ball semi finals to advance to the doubles play. ing today at Sir John in his pocket from this gold medal match today. Nunavik’s young snowshoers Franklin high school. week’s speed skating are finished up the sprint races Over at the Bristol action. Nunavik at the Golf Course Pit snowboarding venue the popu- Over on the volleyball courts Team Nunavik may only be and compete in the long dis- lar big air competition started on the Nunavut boys team has had competing in four sports at these tance events of five-kilometres, Thursday morning. The weather an incredible tournament, com- Games, but the athletes are hold- 7.5-kilometres and 10-kilometres was chilly with a nasty wind, but ing into the semi-finals in second ing their own on the badminton today. The team favours the long- the athletes huddled by the fire place with six wins and four losses. court. Noah Annanack is through distance over the sprint races as between jumps and kept warm. They defeated Greenland in semi- to the semi-final round in mens the athletes come from a cross- The NWT was shut out of juvenile final play on Thursday and will singles play, going in with five wins country running background. medals, but Logan Andrew awed advance to the gold medal match and only one loss. He plays Green- Team Nunavik also competed NWT’s Chelsea Comeau goes up the judges and took gold for junior against Alberta Friday night. land today as the playoffs begin. in the one-foot high kick yesterday for a shot in the last girls basketball males, while teammate Darryl Tait Should be an exciting game to see. Annanack and doubles partner and the pole push. Results weren’t game before playoffs. Russia won topped up his medal count with a At the hockey rink Nunavut’s Jari Leduc advance to the finals, available by press time. the match 81-65. 8 ULU NEWS Issue 5, March 14, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games the day in pictures photos Merle Robillard photos Jari Leduc, 17, of Team Nunavik watches badminton action at Sir John Franklin high school.

Gymnastics at the Yellowknife Multiplex during the Arctic Winter Games 2008.

Nunavik teammates Olivia Ikey, 19, left, Steven Gordon, 17 and Linda Makiuk, 19, make their The Big Air Snowboard competition at Bristol Pit during the Arctic Winter daily call home to family at the Northwestel Athlete’s Centre Tuesday. Games 2008. 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 5, March 14, 2008 ULU NEWS 9 the day in pictures

Jeferson Sanders of Team NWT rides the bus from the Northwestel Athletes Centre Tuesday.

Nicole Phillips of Team competes in junior female curling at Merle Robillard photos the Yellowknife Curling Club. Allison Winarski, 15, and partner Andy Tan, 15, (not pictured) compete in the Juvenile Mixed Doubles Badminton at Sir John Franklin High school during the Arctic Winter Games 2008.

Team Alaska, right, pushes Team Yukon out of the circle during the juvenile female pole-push competition in Dettah during the Dene games. 10 ULU NEWS Issue 5, March 14, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games around the games arctic Winter Games forge long-lasting connections Friendships endure for years after

by Daniel T’seleie

ith thousands of athletes in town for the Arctic Winter Games everyone is meet- ingW new people and making new friends. But what's the best way to stand out in a sea of random faces? Try styling your hair into a killer Robin Sproule, former AWG athlete mohawk, it worked for Kelly Tuktud- and official at these Games, caught juk. “Lot's of people take pictures,” up with some old friends at a dinner says the volleyballer from Repulse for alumni on Tuesday. Bay, Nunavut. Once the ground Alaska in Dene games has made is broken there's no shortage of some new friends from as far away things to talk about, his home town as Russia. Introductions were the is a good place to start. “People easy part. don't know where the location is, I “They gave us cards that said have to tell them,” Tuktudjuk says. their name in English,” says Chris- Sparking up a conversation tina Glenzel. isn't always easy, especially when After a little research the language barriers come into play. Americans found an innovative Tuktudjuk has had an interesting way of bridging the communication time trying to converse with the gap and keeping the conversation Greenland athletes at the lodgings. flowing. “We found this translator “Their coach, he can speak English. I on the Internet,” says Chelsea Mor- usually talk to him.” row. The online program converts The talkative team representing text from one language to another, but it isn't foolproof. “Sometimes it doesn't make sense,” Glenzel adds. The nonsense statements are always good for a laugh. It's not just youth who are celebrating new friendships this week. Twenty alumni from the first AWG in 1970 were invited back by the host society to attend these Games as special guests. They got a chance to catch up on old times at

a special dinner on Tuesday night. “I T’seleie Daniel photos met lots of people. Some I've slowly Models display some AWG gear from past years during a dinner reception for alumni. lost touch with, but [the AWG] is a This isn’t Kelly Tuktudjuk’s first stepping stone to meet great new or phone. “We didn't have the e- does, but he prefers to stay in with four or five of Team Alaska's photo of the week. His hair is a big friends,” said Robin Sproule, a vet- mail system,” Sproule said. Today's touch by phone. volleyball players that he competed draw, and he’s been saying “cheese” quite a bit. Athletes from other eran athlete who represented the athletes are all about e-mail, and You might think that rivalry against at the last Arctic Winter contingents are also interested in NWT in five events over 12 Games. as Glenzel says “who knows” how between competitors would sur- Games, and the conversations are hearing about his home town of She has kept in touch with athletes many e-mail addresses they have pass the instinct to be nice, but it always friendly. “They are good Repulse Bay. she met years ago, mostly by letter exchanged so far. Well, Tuktudjuk doesn't. Tuktudjuk has reconnected people,” Tuktudjuk says. scaveNGer Hunt Spring has sprung- there are RAVENS about, You will find the hints in the ULU NEWS, Each day there will be TEN for you to scout out. You will have from TEN to FIVE daily to solve all the CLUES. Not those feathered black birds you see about town, These large COLOURED raven statues don’t fly around. This is the Arctic Winter Games - get out and have FUN! The PINS are all unique; you get the only one, Why HUNT for these birds you all want to know? To find a hidden raven and collect a priceless pin. Why subject yourself to RUN through the snow? Remember there are only TWENTY pins available to win. Because on FOUR of the ravens a ribbon you will find, That you can exchange for an Arctic Winter Games PIN - If you find a prized ribbon you’ll be the envy of the town, one of a kind. Claim your prize at the Pin Table in the Athletes Centre located downtown. For only FIVE DAYS you will have a chance to seek, Lucky Winners will be named in the Ulu News, These big Northern birds decorated like FLAGS from tail to beak. As the sharpest and the fastest to solve all the clues. Yesterday’s winners • Shawna Lampii-Legaree • Skis that fly hints • Breda Marian Teh, Victoria, B.C. • Rose Scott • It is not quantity but quality that counts • Going on the land and need some gear? Kit • Anika Affleck, Yellowknife • Shawn Mackenzie up your camp and get it here. • No chairs to sit, but many books to read • Chloe Hoeschsmann, Yellowknife • Bonnie Madsen • Where glass gets a second life • The only visible piece of Inuit Art in Old • Chris Yurris, Yellowknifer • Astrid Kruse • Go down the hill and on the right, art in a log Town building- morning is night. • The largest solar panel in Yellowknife raven artists • Terry Pamplin • Hold on one second, someone else wants to • The gallery where morning is broken with all • Donna Shreiner • Vivian Gustafson say hello! the colours of the rainbow • Ann Timmins • Jordan Martin (Carver) 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 5, March 14, 2008 ULU NEWS 1 1 athlete profile There can be only one Twin brothers from Greenland battle for gold in Arctic sports

by Jennifer McPhee Do they ever fight? They did when they were younger, but now fighting eam Greenland identical twins each other would be too dangerous Pilo and Minik Rasmussen will because they're both equally strong, battle each other for gold in they say. They could really mess each the open male knuckle hop other up. and head pull today. Fisker, who lives in the same town TOnly one athlete can win, but the as the twins, says the brothers were 24-year-old brothers don't let sibling his idols when he was younger and rivalry get to them. That's how games they were his coach. They both excel work, they say. Whatever happens, at every single sport, and they're in they'll accept it, learn from the experi- incredible physical shape. If profes- ence and use it to make them stronger sional athletes existed in Greenland, athletes. “It will be good for us,” says these two would be paid to compete, Pilo. says Fisker. In fact, competing against each oth- Minik and Pilo both have the same er works to their benefit. “I think that's four tattoos. And their personalities what makes them champions,” says are also almost the same, says Fisker. Tonny Fisker, another Team Greenland “They're equally nice … They are good Arctic sports competitor, who trans- to everybody. They don't get mad and lated the interview. “They fight against when they do get mad, they keep it un- each other and it makes them better. der control. They are very good boys.” They are both at the same level.” The best aspects of the Games are On Wednesday, Pilo won a bronze catching up with friends from past ulu in the open male triple jump, and games, meeting new friends, and Minik placed fourth. At the last Arctic competing with everything they've got, Winter Games in Alaska, Pilo won four they say. medals: gold in triple jump and head After their triple jump competi- pull, bronze in kneel jump and silver for tion, two female athletes asked to all-around athlete. Minik didn't attend have a photograph taken with them. the 2006 Games because of an injury. It's something that happens a lot, Being together this year is great but they're used to it now and it's ok because they can support each other. because they'll never see them again, “We don't get homesick or anything they say. So do their girlfriends like all photo Jennifer McPhee Jennifer photo because we are always there for each this? “Maybe not,” says one. “No,” says Identical twin brothers Minik and Pilo Rasmussen, from left to right, don’t let competing against each other other,” says Pilo. the other. affect their relationship. 12 ULU NEWS Issue 5, March 14, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games contingent profile creeping up on the competition Sports involvement increasing in young territory of Nunavut

by Lisa Scott activity, he says. More parents are getting in- ith each set of volved in sports in Nunavut and the Arctic Winter resulting development is obvious to Games Team see at these Games. Nunavut seems to “We’ve always had top athletes be creeping up on in different sports, but I really theW competition, no longer hanging notice it rising as a whole now,” out in the shadow of the larger, says Tootoo. “I see a higher level of stronger contingents. athletes and their abilities.” With athletes like Ronald Evidence of this movement can

Anawak in Arctic sports and Sarah be seen in sports like table tennis, Merle Robillard photo Elizabeth Irkootee of Team Nunavut competes in the Arctic Winter Games Ali in speed skating both scoring coached by Attila Csaba. The young juvenile dog mushing on Back Bay in Yellowknife. golden ulus and other up and com-

photo Lisa Scott photo team already has a bronze medal in ing athletes strutting their stuff on Frank Tootoo says his athletes are the junior girls doubles from Mahik The territory of Nunavut is grow- team was sent for the the ice, in the arenas and on the getting stronger and better than Havioyak and Pia Tikivik in a field ing, too. In 2001, two years after first time, as well as two dog mush- courts, this team can no longer ever before. that is usually dominated by strong it became a territory, there were ing teams. Usually the latter sport is be dismissed. Even sports where in home communities in sports like international players. Csaba has about 25,000 people. That number too expensive to fly the dog teams the young territory doesn’t have a speed skating and hockey. started a table tennis movement in has jumped to almost 30,000 and to far off cities. long history, like wrestling or table “We have people involved with Kugluktuk and he’s seen the sport with new people moving in and As the games hit the final two tennis are starting to breed strong programs … and they realize that pick up in communities like Cape bringing new sports expertise with days, Nunavut is really showing it- Nunavut athletes. it’s good for kids to be involved in Dorset, Coral Harbour and Iqaluit. them, the involvement in sports is self to be a competitor, though Too- Chef de mission Frank Tootoo sports and to be active,” he says. As “Greenland and Russia have very growing too. too says it’s not about the medals. has noticed the strength of his generations change in the terri- strong programs and we are on This team of 220 athletes and It’s not his goal to win ulus, he says, team growing in recent years and tory, the recognition of the benefits the way to developing something 60 coaches, officials and mission but rather to show off Nunavut’s credits much of it to an increase in of physical fitness are increasing we can be competitive with them,” staff added a couple of sports to strengths to the visitors and players volunteers coaching and officiating and that’s resulting in more sports says Csaba. this year’s games as well. A female here and to have fun doing it. 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 5, March 14, 2008 ULU NEWS 1 3 contingent profile The pride and joy of alberta Young team shows dedication to their sport by Daniel T’seleie Northern Alberta is represent- ed by 213 athletes and coaches ene games athlete from 28 communities, all north of Skye Quintal-Janvier the 55th parallel. Most athletes may exemplify the grit have only had the chance to train of Team Alberta North. for a few days with their team- You might say the mates before coming to Yellow- Devent hasn't been everything that knife, NWT to compete. But this Janvier may have hoped for. On isn't the case for all the sports. Sunday, she slipped on the ice All eight snowboarders and during the opening ceremonies both coaches from Team Alberta and suffered a concussion which North are from Fort McMurray. forced her out of competition on The boarders have excelled this both Monday and Tuesday. On week, and have taken 13 ulus in Wednesday, she had to leave the the three days of snowboarding Games due to the passing of a competitions. family member. Team Alberta North is also Despite it all, she competed full of rookies, but this is a good Wednesday morning and managed thing says Fraser. “The Games are to win the gold ulu in the junior meant to provide an opportunity female finger pull. It is one of four to new athletes.” But don't take ulus for the Dene games team, their experience as a reflection of which played the rest of the week their ability. without Janvier. “We've been doing pretty It's that kind of determination good,” said Dene games com- that is keeping Alberta North in petitor Misty Marten. She was a close race with Nunavut and introduced to Dene games during the Yukon for fourth place in the AWG tryouts in January. “My the ulu count. It's an impressive friend told me, 'try out’, so I did.” performance considering the Marten beat 60 would-be com- photo Daniel T’seleie T’seleie Daniel photo team's conspicuous absence from petitors in the snow snake tryouts Robbie Rebus of Team Alberta North goes for a quick flight in one of the most exciting events in snowboarding, big air. several sports such as dog mush- and made the team. Not bad for a ing, basketball and table tennis. first try. Training opportunities in Dene Team Alberta is happy to see. Arctic sports for Team Alberta The Albertans are only competing She has taken a liking to Dene games and Arctic sports have “We always send the Dene North. These traditional sports are in about 60 to 70 per cent of the games, and her teammates have increased in the past few years games and Arctic sports teams,” rooted in Arctic life and culture, events, said media liaison Scott taught her many things in the past and more people are coming to says Lenny Richer, mission staff and “that's what the Games are Fraser. two months. tryouts, Fraser says. This is a trend in charge of Dene games and about,” Richer adds. 14 ULU NEWS Issue 5, March 14, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games around the games The Games on instant replay Athletes and participants share their AWG highlights by Lisa Scott cultures,” he says. The trio has friendly and helpful everyone is,” also been impressed with the he says. uring one hectic week, volunteers at the games and their “Everything is terrific. It’s been Yellowknife has mor- friendliness. my best vacation ever,” he says jok- phed from the capital Over at the Bristol Pit snow- ingly of his first trip out of Russia. city of the Northwest boarding venue loud tunes have Despite the small snowboarding Territories to the been playing and the announcer venue at these Games, Ivanov con- bustlingD hub for the Arctic Win- has been entertaining everyone siders to be the home of ter Games. Everyone is involved with hilarious commentary. With snowboarding and was impressed somehow, from store owners to a windchill factor above any other to see snowboarders from other bus drivers to, of course, the ath- venue in the city, the snowboard- countries with different styles and letes. No one seems to be working ers have had to deal with the cold development. at anything except making these all week. Games the best they can be. Wyatt Martin of Alaska warmed Hockey highlights While teams have descended on up around the fire on Thursday hockey the city to compete for hundreds during the big air competition and players still have their minds on the of gold, silver and bronze ulus, the talked about his highlights of the Games as they look back on the true spirit of the Games that reso- week. week and try to sum it up. Lisa Scott photo nates with everyone is about the “The rail jam. It was a lot of fun Andy Williams was pretty Athletes warm themselves up by the fire at the snowboarding venue. people and cultures filling the city. Snowboarders say they were impressed with the friendliness of the people and there were a lot of good rid- stoked to get their team’s first win at these Games. Badminton teammates from ers out,” says the 16-year-old. He against Nunavut earlier this week, Team Yukon Abbie Rotondi, Van- placed fourth in the competition, even though the goaltender didn’t athletes though, with each team only to check out some of the cute essa Carlson and Jerome Belanger just out of the medals. get to play the net. featuring a large cultural compo- guys competing. have enjoyed the action on the “It’s kind of cool to hang out For Fort Smith player Nagidhe nent, too. Jeanette Kakfwi and Cara The Fort Good Hope partici- court, but say hanging out with with other teams and to see their Paulette, playing with a team that Manuel have been working with pants were also excited to learn teams like Greenland, Yamal and different views,” he adds. The Alas- ups the competition a few notches mentor Kirsten Carthew learning about filmmaking. “I learned a lot Saami has been a highlight. kan athlete was impressed with the from his home team is the best. the ins and outs of filmmaking at of things about the camera and “I especially like the Yamal peo- helpfulness of his peers, especially While sportsmanship is appar- the games. They are taking part filmmaking,” says Manuel. ple. They’re really interesting,” says after he got many offers of the use ent in all the sports at the Games, in the Film Arts Program and have As the Games enter the final Belanger. The 14-year-old even of a snowboard after he busted his Gerald Pascal’s highlight of the been bustling about from venue two days and the competition looked up some Russian words so board earlier in the week. week shows off the more contact- to venue shooting footage of the ratchets up a notch, the par- he could communicate, learning to Yamal snowboarder Evgeny oriented nature of his sport. Games. ticipants at the 2008 Games say “Hi my name is Jerome” and Ivanov spoke through an interpret- “Laying out Alaska’s captain They both enjoyed the snow- seem to have really captured the “Bye." He’s tried sign language to er about how amazing his week in was good,” he says about the NWT boarding and liked watching the spirit of competition and truly chat with the Russians as well. Canada has been. midget boys' Tuesday game against “cool air” in the big air competi- become “Northern stars inspired “I think it’s awesome that we “I’ve never met such friendly Alaska. tion. They made sure to catch by dreams" – this year's Games get to meet people from other and kind people. It’s amazing how The Games weren’t just for the some Arctic sports action too, if slogan. 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 5, March 14, 2008 ULU NEWS 1 5 around the games photo Merle Robillard

Closest to the camera: These Team Alaska girls say they are not big fans of their uniforms. Front to back: Leah Francis, Heidi Doner, Abby Query, Sid Browning. Let the clothes-swap begin! Athletes search for most coveted uniforms by Jennifer McPhee Francis. “I almost agreed.” The transaction hasn't occurred The only trade she would even con- The Alaskan girls love Team yet, but Charpentier took down the sider is with Team Greenland. s the Arctic Winter Saami's multi-coloured outfits the Someone girl's sport and room number so she On the other hand, Dayna Games winds down, the most. It would be cool to have a can track her down. Thompson of Team Yukon is a big- clothes swapping begins. uniform from an exotic country, and asked if I NWT soccer player Justin Doyle time trader. She loves Nunavik's So which teams' gear is to know that your own stuff is float- wanted to says he wants a Greenland or Yamal fur-lined jackets, but she's already proving the most sought- ing around somewhere so far away, jersey, partly because these teams promised her coat to someone Aafter this year? says Francis. “Maybe someone will trade my coat are excelling at soccer, but also be- from Team Alberta. She's happy Definitely not their uniforms, think Alaska is cool and exotic, but I cause it's rare to have the chance to with this trade and likes that Al- says a group of girls on the Alaskan doubt it...” for a pin. I trade stuff with people from other berta's jackets are made by North snowshoeing team. They'll have to NWT's blue and white uniforms almost agreed. countries. Face. settle for whatever offers they get and Greenland's red uniforms are Some athletes can't bear to part At the last Games, she traded since all the other teams have bet- among the most coveted this year. with their own gear. Sarah Brenton every single item she had. She even ter uniforms. Hope Charpentier of Team NWT of Team NWT will probably hang traded her jacket for a warm-up Their uniforms look like any oth- started trying to line up a Green- her offer outright. onto her uniform, even though jersey because she liked it so much. er coat, and are way too big, they land girl to trade with on Wednes- “It was so disappointing,” she she's been offered cold hard cash “It's all in the fun of the Games,” say. “Someone asked if I wanted to day. Finding someone was tough says. Finally, she cut a deal with for it. She likes her uniform because she says. “I like to go home with trade my coat for a pin,” says Leah at first. About 15 girls rejected someone outside the computer lab. it stands out more than the others. something new.” Games Talk

what activity did you enjoy most carson Sieben, 15, pauyungie nutaraaluk, eric chalker, 13, chelsea Morrow, 12, dene chantai Minet, 16, outside your sport? volleyball, Alberta coach, dene games, speed skater, nWt games, Alaska basketball, Yukon. We haven’t had time to nunavik Trading pins. I’ve got a real- The beach party. We swam Taking in the other sports. do anything outside vol- Enjoying spending time ly big collection now and I and used the rock climbing The timing of the other leyball because we’ve been with my girls cheering on just started this week. wall. There were also prize events was convenient. focused on our sport. our other teams. draws.