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PHOTO COURTESY GREG MARTIN PPageage 1212 2 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 Table of contents A letter from the president From the president ...... 2 Hosting the Winter Games begins with the community assessing if there is enough capacity to host the world’s largest circumpolar sport and cultural event; capacity in terms of venues to host the 20 sporting events, a location for the Athletes Here come the games ...... 3 Village to house and feed 2000 athletes, transportation infrastructure to move thou- sands of athletes, coaching staff, family members and spectators, and thousands of Raavee takes flight ...... 6 volunteers to operate the games, not to mention the financial capacity to fund the games. Volunteers are a driving force ...... 9 For Fairbanks, this assessment began in the spring of 2010, when Borough Mayor Luke Hopkins and the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau sent a small exploratory team to attend the 2010 in Grand Prairie, The Games on social media ...... 10 . Upon their return, an organizing bid committee was formed and a formal letter was sent to Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, declaring Fairbanks’ intention to bid the A history of the Games ...... 12 hosting of the Games in 2014. During the next seven months, prior to the site selec- tion visit by the Arctic Winter Games International Committee in 2011, a 152 page A cauldron becomes an art legacy ...... 13 bid document was prepared and submitted. When AWGIC President Gerry Thick returned to Fairbanks in February, the Fairbanks community’s interest, excitement, Gameswear Fridays ...... 14 preparation and commitment to host the 2014 Games was evident and sealed the deal; Fairbanks was selected to host the 2014 Games! Subsequently after selection, the nonprofit Fairbanks Host Society was incorporated brands supporting Fairbanks ...... 14 to accept the responsibility to successfully host the Games in 2014. Since Spring 2011, the Host Society, comprised solely of volunteers, hired a general manager and Father, son share love of the Games ...... 18 a handful of staff to help raise funds, secure state funding, recruit needed volunteers, engage the community and meet every milestone required by the Arctic Winter By the numbers: The Games add up ...... 19 Games International Committee guidelines and requirements. Incredible partner- ships have been formed, beginning with Gov. Sean Parnell, Lt. Gov. Treadwell and Content provided by Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games Host Society the Legislature, to secure required state funding to host the Games on behalf of the P.O. Box 71370, Fairbanks, AK 99707 state. Offi ce: 330 Barnette St., Fairbanks, Alaska One Alaska community is selected to host the Games every 10 years. Fairbanks has Telephone: (907) 456-2014, Fax: (907) 456-2044 had the privilege and honor to have previously hosted the Games in 1982 and 1988. On the web: awg2014.org The Fairbanks North Star Borough, city of Fairbanks and city of North Pole have Printed by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner been strong partners since the beginning, providing financial and in-kind support to 200 N. Cushman St., Fairbanks, Alaska. not only bid for the Games but also to support the Host Society as the organization developed. The Games could not be hosted without the partnership with Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. In addition to using school facilities for hous- ing and sporting events, the school district has promoted the Games through special events and curriculum activities. Other major community partners include the Uni- versity of Alaska Fairbanks, the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce. The 2014 Games will also be the first in its 44 year history to provide matching scholarships to one athlete from each of the nine geographic contingents within the 140 colleges and universities in the University of the Arctic consortium. When we look back after the Games conclude in Fairbanks, there will be many tangible legacy projects to remind us that we were the host of the Games in 2014. But one of the most lasting and important legacies for the community is now available to everyone; that is, to be a part of history by volunteering for the Games, donating to the Games, purchasing Games merchandise and clothing, attending pre-game community events and most of all, attending the Games. Get your game on, Fairbanks! — Jeff Jacobson, Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games Host Society President

Chatter about the Games is all over social media, including Facebook and Twitter.

IMAGE COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 ULU NEWS 3 Here come the Games! Volunteers, donations are our winning strategies By Danny Martin enous athletes from the north- We’re just really grateful to the out- ESPN X Games. [email protected] ern regions of the Scandinavian “It (the mobile app) also countries (Sweden, Finland and pouring of support, whether in-kind allows us to promote our results The 2014 Arctic Winter Norway). Yamal is a subject “ or by cash. The Fairbanks community live on our website and on our Games Host Society is steadily — similar to a state or province mobile app as well. So we’re gaining volunteers and close to — in the Russian Federation. has really stepped up to the plate and pretty proud of that,’’ she said. reaching its budget goals. Registration for volunteering done a good job of supporting the The AWG International Com- The international bien- can be done online at the AWG mittee and the chefs de mission, nial celebration of circumpolar website (www.awg2014.org). Games.” or executive directors, for the sports and culture is scheduled “We have had so many people nine delegations were in Fair- — Cherie Solie, AWG sponsorship manager for March 15-22, 2014, in Fair- interested in volunteering with banks on Oct. 17-18 for meet- banks. the Games, the goal now is to ings. The Host Society is seeking get all of those people registered with Fairbanks-area businesses the plate and done a good job of Topics, such as athletes and a total of 2,500 volunteers, as in our online system, a require- to help obtain the goal. supporting the Games.” coaches, participant transpor- there are scheduled to be 2,000 ment to volunteer during the “We’re hoping to capture those The AWG’s host society also tation and housing, to athletic athletes in 20 sports and cultur- Games,” said Ashley Johnston, businesses which have the abili- is working with a mobile appli- al events during the Games. volunteer manager. ty to donate $2,500 to $10,000,’’ cations developer to create a venues were among issues dis- The AWG features nine con- The host society, Solie said, Cherie Solie, AWG sponsorship mobile app for athletes and cussed during the meetings. tingents — Team Alaska; Team wants to have 2,500 volunteers manager, said. spectators to get information There also was an evening ; Team Sapmi; Team in place by the end of 2013 so it Solie said the host society is on their mobile devices about gathering at Pioneer Park on Yamal; and Team Alberta North, can conduct training for them in confident of reaching the goal. events and schedules during the Oct. 17 for the international Team , Team , January and February. “We’re just really grateful Games. committee and the chefs de mis- Team - and The host society, as of Oct. 10, to the outpouring of support, CrowdTorch has worked with sion. Team of is less than $200,000 short of whether in-kind or by cash,’’ major sporting events across Contact sports editor Danny Martin Canada. its budget goal of $1.2 million. she said. “The Fairbanks com- the , including at 459-7586 or follow him on Twitter: Team Sapmi consists of indig- There were meetings recently munity has really stepped up to the Kentucky Derby and the @newsminersports. 4 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 ULU NEWS 5

special. like you. Club 49 is our free loyalty NOT EVERYONE CAN BE ALASKAN. rewards program only for Alaskans. Members get exclusive benefits, like two free checked bags when traveling to or from Alaska. Join today and get more travel, more shipping, more fun. With Club 49, Alaskans get more. Alaska Airlines and Alaska Air Cargo proudly welcome this year’s Arctic Winter Games to Fairbanks. alaskaair.com I CLUB 49 – OUR EXCLUSIVE PROGRAM FOR ALASKANS I 6 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 Online: Information about Raavee’s Locker Ravin’ about the Games is online at http://awg2014.org/raavees-locker

By Scott McCrea

Look out Nanook and Smokey Bear. There’s a new mascot in town, and he’s already taken flight. Raavee (pronounced RAH-vee) the raven is the official mascot for the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. And with the event less than six months away, he has already been flying his way around town, help- ing generate excitement for the Games. Raavee’s flight pattern has taken him beyond his home in Fairbanks. Back in April of this year, plush Raavee dolls were sent to more than 100 communities across the global north, representing areas that participants for the 2014 Games will be hailing from. Like a real raven, Raavee’s “task” was to scavenge tidbits from the various participating communities for use in a display and slide show dur- ing the Games. Along with the Raavee dolls, the communities received letters asking them to email a picture of Raavee in a place-significant location, as well as mailing a souvenir such as a trinket or toy that best represents the community. Ever the busy bird, Raavee also has an important job of helping get children interested in the Games. A coloring page for children tells Raavee’s story, with the message centered around encouraging children to discover their talents and follow their dreams. Raavee’s next stop is Anchorage where he will attend the ConocoPhillips employee Halloween party on Oct. 31. “I love to soar high, dive low, and even play catch while flying! I finally discovered my talent. I know that you can too if you have great spirit and follow your northern dreams,” Raavee states on the page. In addition, Raavee is the driving force behind a campaign called Raavee’s Locker. Raavee’s Locker is an online gift registry to help raise funds to purchase sports equipment needed for the Games. Equipment is needed in all of the 20 sports of the Games, with items ranging from shuttles for to straw for dog mushing. Participating in Raavee’s Locker requires a $25 minimum purchase, and those who spend $50 or more will receive an exclusive Raavee’s Locker pin. All donors will be recognized on Raavee’s Locker at the Games headquarters before and during the Games. Equipment will be donated to local sports organizations and/or the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District at the conclusion of the Games. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 ULU NEWS 7 8 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013

Volunteers for the Games take their places at the representing visiting contingents. PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 ULU NEWS 9 Volunteers: The driving force behind AWG’s success By Scott McCrea

What’s in a number? Want to be In the case of the 2014 Arctic Win- ter Games 2014, the number is 2,500. a volunteer? And in that number are how many volunteers that are needed to make • You must be at least the games successful. “Volunteers truly are the heart of 15 years of age by the Arctic Winter Games,” said Ash- ley Johnston, AWG volunteer manag- Jan. 31, 2014. er. “They make it all happen, and they make it extraordinary. Without their • You are asked to time, talents and enthusiasm, we wouldn’t be able to bring this exciting commit to a minimum event to Fairbanks.” Volunteers are needed in a number of 12 hours of capacities, both leading up to and during the Games. Tasks range from during the Games. scorekeeping to security, transpor- tation to ticketing, photography to • Volunteers 18 years or physical therapy, and from setting up beds to serving breakfast. older must complete a The importance Arctic Winter Games has on volunteering was evi- free background check. dent at an energetic volunteer rally on Sept. 13 at Lathrop High School presented by BP. World Cup medalist • Volunteer applications skier Holly Brooks was on hand at the event to rally the crowd and spoke to are available online at the importance of the cultural experi- ence gained by interacting with the http://awg2014.org/ Volunteers make up an important part of the Games. There are more than 300 international attendees of the Games. events needing 2,500 volunteers to ensure the Games go off without a hitch. To The Games will bring thousands volunteer. sign up to volunteer, visit www.awg2014.org. of people to Fairbanks—athletes, coaches, family members and specta- • For more information, PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES tors—and volunteers get the oppor- tunity to meet and work with them, contact Ashley Johnston an experience that they will always remember. at ajohnston@awg2014. “The games are about much more than just sports,” Johnston said. org or 456-2014. “They are about sharing cultures, rep- resenting our community, experienc- ing something new, and being a part of something that connects people Volunteering, from across the most remote parts of the northern world.” by the numbers Johnston pointed out that volun- teers from the 1982 and 1988 games • Number of in Fairbanks still rave about their experience. volunteers needed: 2,500 “People who volunteer for the 2014 Games are getting a chance to be • Number of events involved in something that Fairbanks won’t likely see again for another 20 needing volunteers: or more years,” she said. In addition, volunteers who commit to at least 12 hours during the Games More than 300 receive a commemorative volunteer pin, an exclusive volunteer uniform • Number of venues to include a jacket and a shirt, and an invitation to attend the post-games needing volunteers: 30 volunteer recognition party. People can sign up individually to • Number of volunteer volunteer, or can do so as part of a The Games will bring thousands of people to Fairbanks—athletes, coaches, large group. In either case, AWG will hours needed: 30,000 family members and spectators—and volunteers get the opportunity to meet work with people to find what is the and work with them, an experience that they will always remember. best area to volunteer for, based upon • Number of shifts: 7,000 PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES a person’s interests and skill level. 10 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013

Thank you, AWG Volunteers. The Games on social media Stay connected with the Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games by liking, following or watching us on social media and using #awg2014 everywhere on the social web. Download the AWG 2014 mobile app for your mobile device (iPhone and Android) available late December 2013/early January 2014. Stay posted on our social media for news and updates about all things AWG! AWG 2014 Social Media Facebook: www.facebook.com/AWG2014 Twitter: @awg2014 Instagram: @awg2014 YouTube Channel: arcticwintergames14 Flickr: awg_2014 Hash tag: #awg2014 Visitors to the Winter Games in Summer event at Pioneer Park get a taste of what the 2014 Games are The Games wouldn’t be the same all about.

without you. PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC Want to get in the game? WINTER GAMES Sign up to become a volunteer at awg2014.org.

Sponsored by BP www.cookiejarfairbanks.com R55B907)5jmo7nigo SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 ULU NEWS 11

Athletes go for the gold.

We’ll take care of the green.

Fort Knox is proud to promote recycling and waste reduction at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks. By engaging and empowering athletes and spectators, we can help foster sustainable decisions that safeguard the environment throughout our region. kinross.com 12 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 A history of the Arctic Winter Games

By Danny Martin

The Arctic Winter Games that took place in Fairbanks in 1982 and 1988 seemed simpler in scope compared to what’s expected for the 2014 event in the Golden Heart City. The athletes, competitions and contingents were fewer — particu- larly in 1982 — than the antici- pated 2,000 athletes and nine contingents for the 2014 Games. “I’ve seen a lot of time pass in the Arctic Winter Games and I’ve seen the games grow, develop and change,’’ said Wen- dell Shiffler, vice president of the AWG International Com- mittee. “In 1988, the Games here didn’t have nearly the number of kids you have now, and the representation in the Games is not anything like it is now,’’ said Shiffler, who was an AWG volun- teer in 1982 and 1988. His daughter, Stefanie, then 14, was a cross-country skier for Team Alaska in 1988. Nine circumpolar contingents are scheduled to be involved in the 2014 AWG — Alaska, Green- land, Yamal, Sapmi, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta North, Nunavik Quebec and Nunavut. The 1982 AWG featured about 1,000 athletes from three contingents: Alaska, Yukon and North- west Territories. The opening ceremonies took place at Alaska- land (now Pioneer Park) and were televised locally. Hundreds of Interior residents turned out for the ceremonies, which featured skydivers, a fireworks display and Olympic shooting medalist Lones Wigger administering the AWG oath to Michael Green of Tok and Beth McConkey of Fairbanks on behalf of the ath- letes. Wigger won a gold medal for small-bore rifle in the 1964 Summer Games in Tokyo and earned the gold in free rifle in 1972 in Munich. The 1982 Games included two events that are no longer con- tested — judo and shooting. Athletes also were housed at Fort Wainwright. But those Games didn’t have a few events that will be in the 2014 Games, such as , speedskating and snow- shoeing. The 1988 Games featured nearly 1,000 athletes in 17 events — just three fewer than the total scheduled for 2014 — and the opening cer- emonies took place at the Big Dipper Ice Arena. There were four contingents — the same three from 1982 and the addition of Alberta North. The opening day of the Games in 1988 was greeted by unseasonably warm weather. Among the concerns about the weather was the effect it would have on the ice at the speedskating oval at Kiwanis Field behind the Big Dipper. But the temperatures cooled early that week and speedskating and other outdoor events that rely on winter weather went on as planned. There also were no age limitations in the 1988 Games. There were open male and female divisions for adults in certain events, and hockey included a men’s senior division. Participants in the 2014 Games are scheduled to range from ages 13 to 20. Team Alaska earned an AWG-high 178 ulus in 1988, including a games-best 66 gold. Danny Martin is the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner sports editor. PHOTO BY ARCHBOULD PHOTOGRAPHY SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 ULU NEWS 13 A cauldron and a legacy of art By Mercedes Anderson dron will be lit with flames as well as LED lights. While Fairbanks found itself with a the initial purpose for the new piece of art on Oct. 4 out- cauldron is for the Games, as side of the Carlson Center — a a Legacy piece celebrating the permanent 2014 Arctic Winter Arctic Winter Games in Fair- Games Legacy Cauldron. banks, the Cauldron can be Groundbreaking took place used for other celebrations as July 1 for the nearly 26-foot tall well, such as graduations and weathered steel and gas torch. sporting events. The cauldron is being built in Kent Karns, board president partnership with the Tanana of the Tanana Valley Youth Valley Youth Sports Founda- Sports Foundation, said when tion, Arctic Star donors and announcing the partnership the generous donations of time that “this cauldron celebrates and supplies from local design, youth sports at the Games and engineering and construction will continue to inspire our firms in Fairbanks. young athletes well into the The Arctic Stars are a spe- future.” cial group of supporters who The design team behind are passionate and commit- the cauldron includes Bettis- ted to providing life-changing worth North (architects and experiences for young people planners), Castner Consult- in the circumpolar north ing (structural engineering), through athletic competition Design Alaska (mechanical, and cultural exchange during electrical), PDC Inc. Engineers Community members break ground on the home of the 2014 Arctic Winter Games Legacy the 2014 Arctic Winter Games (civil engineering), Shannon by making a financial gift of and Wilson, Inc. (geotechnical Cauldron, which will be on permanent display in front of the Carlson Center. $2,014. Names of the Arctic engineering) and Marshall Arts PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES Stars are engraved on a com- Design (conceptual design). memorative plaque on the Partners are Fairbanks Products, Universal Welding & Fairbanks Block Co. and Skip- it the website http://awg2014. cauldron. Natural Gas, GHEMM Com- Fabrication, Great Northwest, py, Inc. org/sponsors/become-an-arc- During the Games, the caul- pany, Fullford Electric, Paving Patrick Mechanical, TESCO, To become an Arctic Star, vis- tic-star

Thank you to the following 2014 Arctic Stars

Alaska Peace Officers Association Pete & Lisa Herbert Memory of Barbara Van Horsen — Mike & Peggy Pollen Linda Anderson & Steve Frank Deb Hickok & Izzy Hickok Teri Spires & Mike Powers Bill, Meadow, Ella & Symone Bailey — “Life is good” Robert & Sue Hull Tammy & Ed Randolph Margaret & Larry Bennett Garry & Diane Hutchison Rob & Karlene Richards Aisha, Jon, Andrew & Ashlyn Bray Craig & Linda Ingham John, Char, Sean & Justin Rodda The Britton Family Bill Jeff, Aaron, Suzanne, David, Julia & Caitlin Jacobson William K. & June Rogers Michelle, Nikole, Chris, Brittany, Tyler, Logan & Ken- Greg, Sue, Anna & Andrew Johnson Brian Rogers & Sherry Modrow nedy Bunch Jeff & Debbie Johnson Mark & Mary Sanford In Memory of John & June Carlson — Carol, Edward & Matthew & Joane Johnson Gary L. Sawdy DDS Corrine families Kent, Brittany, Olivia, & Torgen Karns Mike, Evelyn, Megan & Hanna Sfraga Jeff & Sue Cook — Proud Sponsors of the 2014 Cary S. Keller, MD Kelly, Lorna, & Rachel Shaw Games Bill & Cheryl Kilgore Wendell & Judy Shiffler, Stacia & Stefanie Shiffler Bill Cotton — AWG Coach & Pin Collector Kougl Family Geri & Keel Simon — Enjoy the 2014 Games! Sheena Cummings & Jason Roberts Buddy, Karen, Brittany & Stephanie Lane Rick, Cherie, Lindsay, Sean & Laura Solie Bob Eley, former News-Miner Sports Editor Bart & Mary LeBon Dale & Mary Springer Norma Haubenstock & John Estle Lincoln Brothers — Bob & Chuck Robert & Jeanne Sundberg Sue Evans & Paul Schneider Denali & Patrick Lovely Phyllis & Murray Tate & daughter Pam Ferguson Fairbanks Host Lions — Serving Fairbanks since 1944 John Minder Steve & Kathleen Thompson Be your own guiding light to be triumphant. -CG. The Mongold, Sprouse, Berrios & Woods Families To Honor the Athletes — Joanne Trefethen The Gitschel Family Moose Lodge 1392 — Serving Fairbanks since 1914 In Memory of Joe Tremarello Kerry, Jennie, Kaiden, Avery & Landon Hafele Mathew & Bonnie Mund The Weaver Family — Randy, Tammy, Alyssa, Jeremy Daryl & Karen Haggstrom Mary Ann Nickles Elizabeth Whisenhant Bob, Leslie, Nicholas, Alec & Connor Hajdukovich In Memory of Sue Gregory — Dave & Debbie Norum Gary & Sue, Matt, Alii, Karen & Bob Wilken families The Hale Family John & Kathy Nussbaumer — 70, 76, 78, 80 Michael, Kristen, Erin & Janel Winters Hollis & Darleen Hall Holly Odegard & Joseph Saccone Steve & Jyotsna Heckman Karen Parr Join this special group of supporters by making a financial Dr. Christopher H. Henry W. Lee Payne DDS, Linda, Brandon & Lauren gift of $2,014 to the Fairbanks 2014 Arctic Winter Games 14 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013

Buy Arctic Winter Games gear at the official retail store at 330 Barnette St. in Fairbanks Alaska brands support Fairbanks Community support swells during 2014 Arctic Winter games By Hannah Blankenship with Gameswear Fridays More than 2,000 athletes and Several Alaska house- coaches won’t be skating, skiing and By Scott McCrea long-sleeved thermal shirts, sweatpants snowshoeing into Fairbanks for the hold brands have already and yoga wear, and children’s T-shirts, Arctic Winter Games until March scooped up most of the Among the countless ways people in all in a variety of colors. 2014, but a passionate community of Fairbanks can show their support for The clothing is available at the AWG volunteers, fans, officials and sponsors six largest sponsorships, the 2014 Arctic Winter Games is one retail store at 330 Barnette St., open are working hard to prepare for their including the opening that is literally quite simple as how they Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to arrival. get dressed in the morning. 5 p.m. With several thousand guests and and closing ceremonies With Gameswear Fridays, AWG orga- Relatado said that momentum for spectators estimated to attend March nizers are hoping to create excitement Gameswear Fridays has been picking 15-22, the Games provide an excellent (ConocoPhillips and and a sense of pride in the community up across the community and there opportunity for many Alaska brands GCI), the Arctic and Dene by encouraging residents to wear AWG is a big push to get businesses to join to support the Fairbanks community gear every Friday between now and the the cause by promoting the campaign while displaying support of youth Games (Shell) and the Games. among employees and “competing” sports and culture across town at more “We hope that the Gameswear Friday against other businesses to see who can than 28 indoor and outdoor venues. AWG Volunteer Program campaign will be a catalyst in display- show the most spirit. To make it con- Sponsorship manager Cherie Solie (BP). Sponsors are still ing our excitement for the Games,” said venient for businesses and employees, has worked with more than 60 orga- Camille Relatado, marketing and mer- Relatado said that they will take their nizations to help them support youth needed to provide about chandise manager for AWG. “We can merchandise for sale directly to the sports in Fairbanks and other Interior 2,000 sleeping bags for count on the community’s consistently business. Alaska communities. growing awareness about the 2014 “We hope that the community and “Sponsorship of the Games is a great athletes and to support Games and hopefully use that to ignite our local businesses will embrace way for Alaska organizations to get the flame of excitement for what’s com- the campaign and wear their AWG involved with an international event Raavee the Raven, the ing in a little less than six months.” gear every Friday from now until the that provides life-changing experienc- official mascot, during The merchandise available for pur- Games,” she said. “This is our Games, es for youth in the circumpolar north,” chase includes a wide variety of men’s and our chance to show the circumpo- Solie said. the games. and women’s clothing, featuring hood- lar world what kind of host Fairbanks “Additionally, this is a unique oppor- ies, jackets, vintage short-sleeved shirts, can be.” tunity to market not only to Alaskans but also to our visitors and other busi- six largest sponsorships, including nesses.” the opening and closing ceremonies Organizations can sponsor specific (ConocoPhillips and GCI), the Arctic sports, with packages ranging from and Dene Games (Shell) and the AWG $10,000 to $50,000. Several sporting Volunteer Program (BP). Be Be aa partpart ofof thethe events are still in need of sponsors. “We continue to search for two “The sport-specific sponsorships can Alaska brands to present our Athlete Arctic Winter Games! show an organization’s affinity for a Engagement Program and to co-pres- Arctic Winter Games! particular athletic event, from figure ent our cultural program with Pogo skating to to dog mush- Mine,” Solie said. The The UluUlu NewsNews willwill bebe ing,” Solie said. Companies may also choose to published published dailydaily duringduring thethe Sponsors for each sport will have provide specific targeted marketing Arctic Arctic WinterWinter GamesGames inin MarchMarch the opportunity to brand the sport’s opportunities for other important venues and the sport’s web page at 2014. Catch all the AWG News, parts of the games, ranging from 2014. Catch all the AWG News, www.awg2014.org. Additionally, the $5,000 up to $50,000. including including storiesstories aboutabout thethe 2014 Games, for the first time in AWG Solie said many organizations are athletes athletes andand allall thethe events.events. history, will launch a mobile app in choosing to support causes that align early December to will give sponsors with their brand’s products and ser- Be Be aa partpart ofof allall thethe actionaction ...... increased exposure before and during vices. the games. have your business participate “For example, Tanana Valley Clinic is have your business participate Other opportunities are also avail- sponsoring our health fair, and GCI is by by placingplacing anan advertisementadvertisement able for branding and are determined our official media sponsor,” Solie said. to to letlet fansfans andand visitorsvisitors knowknow on an individual basis, Solie said. A company may also choose to spon- about about youryour productsproducts andand “Often the organizations I’m work- sor opportunities that align with its ing with have a better idea of how to services services . . values, such as Kinross Fort Knox’s market themselves, so we have abso- sponsorship of the AWG Environmen- lutely been flexible when working with tal Services, which support a “green” our sponsors,” she said. Games, complete with branded recycle Contact Contact thethe News-MinerNews-Miner forfor information.information. Opportunities for brands to get receptacles at all venues. [email protected] [email protected] involved are not limited to cash dona- Sponsors are still needed to provide tions, either. about 2,000 sleeping bags for athletes 459-1548 459-1548 “In-kind donations are another and to support Raavee the Raven, the important way organizations are help- official mascot, during the Games. ing to make the Games a reality for Individuals or organizations wanting Fairbanks,” Solie said. to help support the 2014 Arctic Win- THE VOICE OF INTERIOR ALASKA SINCE 1903 Several Alaska household brands ter Games can contact Cherie Solie at have already scooped up most of the 456-2014 or [email protected]. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 ULU NEWS 15 ames. Games. G

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T L S A E S R smoke-free atmosphere smoke-free in a cozy, rustic and completely Enjoy an occasion of fine dining The teams, coaches and spectators! teams, coaches Turtle Turtle 18 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 Father and son share love of AWG By Libbie Martin 19-year-old said. “It changed my “I wouldn’t say I had an life. It’s what I wait for every two advantage,” he said. “Except that Brian Walker Jr. resisted his years.” he showed me the ropes.” father’s challenge to participate There’s something about the In between events, the father in the Arctic Winter Games international aspect of the event might pull the son aside and Male Dene Team for years. He that is unifying, he said. “It give him some techniques he just wasn’t interested. opened my eyes to so many dif- could use. “But he doesn’t care Brian Walker Sr. has been ferent sports and events.” if I win or lose; he’s supportive a participant and coach since It also helped him connect of me.” 1990. “I helped get the Dene more to his culture. His father agrees. “I always games started,” he said. “I was “Before the AWG, we didn’t told him, ‘Just do the best you an athlete and coach for a num- have much of a relationship can.’” ber of years.” [with other Natives from other And he expected his son to He also helped write the rule countries]. Now we’re lifelong show leadership and sportsman- book. It was a great experience friends.” ship, the same expectations he competing on an international Once he convinced his son to had for all of his team. “We see level, he said, and he wanted his participate, the elder Walker it as everyone working together children to follow in his foot- taught his boy the games and to do our best, so we coach each steps. Brian Walker Jr., left, got involved with the Games because of watched him, “a little nervous,” other,” he said. “I got to know other people his father, Brian Walker Sr., who has been a participant and compete at the World Eskimo- That means helping competi- from around the world, and it is coach since 1990. PHOTO BY ARCHBOULD PHOTOGRAPHY Indian Olympics. tors as well as teammates. That so much fun,” he said. “Dad knew what he was expands into real life, he said. The benefits of the Games, he So when the younger Walker bring the games and people he’d doing,” the son said. “He told me “It helps kids care for each believes, are life-changing and was about 13, his dad started the met to life. what would happen and who I other, to learn we’re all in this lifelong. pitch. But his son resisted — until would meet. He took me under together,” he said. “That’s the Meeting people from different He showed pictures of the finally, in 2010, he broke down his wing.” best thing about the games. countries face to face is so much events and spoke about the and joined the Dene team. Being the son of the coach Brian Walker Sr. retired after more of a learning experience benefits of participating. More “It was one of the best experi- wasn’t a major advantage, either, than just reading about them. importantly, he told stories to ences I’ve ever had,” the now- he concedes. WALKER » 19

Welcomes the 2014 2014 Arctic Arctic WinterWinter Games Games to Fairbanks

We hope you enjoy your stay in the Golden Heart City!

200 North Cushman St Fairbanks, Alaska

456-6661 21415690 10-27-13AWG www.newsminer.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013 ULU NEWS 19 By the numbers: How the Games add up 1 400 mascot, Raavee sponsors and donors

4 $950 social media platforms fans can estimated average spending connect on, including Facebook, per guest Twitter, YouTube and Instagram 1982 8 the first year the Games days the 2014 Arctic Winter Games were held in Fairbanks lasts: March 15-22 1988 9 last year the Games contingents including Alaska, were held in Fairbanks Alberta North, Northwest Territo- ries, Nunavut, Nunavik Quebec, 2,000 Greenland, Sapmi, Yamal and the participants and coaches Yukon 2006 13-20 last year the Games participating athletes’ age range were held in Alaska, in Kenai Raavee the raven, the mascot of the Games, is seen with two tiny visitors this 20 2011 summer while visiting Fairbanks. sports year Fairbanks was awarded the PHOTO COURTESY 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES 2014 Games 30 number of venues 2,500 in which the Games volunteers needed to make will be played the Games possible

55 3,000 number of volunteer friends & families that will attend committees created the Games for the Games $13,500,000 56 estimated economic activity number of the Games will bring Gameswear Fridays to Fairbanks

only representing Alaska, you’re repre- WALKER senting America. There’s a lot of pride.” Continued from 18 Dene games include several events, from which participants choose four: 20 years, but he’ll be in Fairbanks cheer- finger pull, snowsnake, stick pull, hand ing Team Alaska. His son will try out, but games, and pole push, and an all-round even if he doesn’t make the team, he’ll be event consisting of scores for the indi- standing beside his father, cheering the vidual events. Dene Team and carrying on the family There are four age/sex classes: open tradition. (no age limit) and junior men, and junior “It’s [such an] amazing thing to be part and juvenile women. Each age class fields of,” the elder Walker said. “It’s a great four athletes. There are two coaches (one honor to represent Alaska. You’re not for each gender). 20 ULU NEWS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013