Thursday, March 8, 2012

C Y K M

Things get tense as two athletes face-off in the Head Pull event, part of Arctic Sports at Vanier Catholic Secondary School Photo credit: MARK KELLY

2 Alaska Volleyball Girls’ Secret to Success...7 published by Your Photos From the Games... 10 Big Games Gear: Basketball Shorts...

C Y K M 2 ULU News Thursday, March 8, 2012 • Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games THE DAILY HYPE AWG NEWS AND UP & COMINGS

BY THE NUMBERS NEXT ONE, PLEASE Strong, stronger, Alaska’s Junior Female Volleyball Team: Coach DOG MUSHING Judy Knecht’s girls are unstoppable. But what’s their secret? Dog mushing is more by INDRA KLEY than paws and barks. Whenever they convert a match bus was late,” libero Lindsey Logan Here are some numbers point, Alaska’s volleyball girls get says. “But with the raw talent of ev- that define the sport at ready to celebrate. “Yes!” they shout eryone, when you just throw it all to- the Whitehorse 2012 while jumping up and down and hug- gether, it’s pretty easy,” Allison adds. ging each other. “We did it.” Yes, they Rule #3: Let the music play! Arctic Winter Games. did it again. Another team has just Before the match the girls get been swiped off the floor. The losing ready in their own way. “We just re- squad’s consolation: It’s happened to lax and listen to music. Pump-up mu- 13 – distance in kilome- many that have come before. sic! And we like to sing with it – not tres of the longest dog Since the 2002 Arctic Winter good singing but still we sing in the mushing race at the 2012 Games, Alaska’s female volleyball changing rooms,” Allison says. Cur- AWG. The other race players have won nothing but gold. distances are 7.5 and 10 rent number 1 on Team Alaska’s hit And there is no doubt the team is once kilometres. list: We are Young by Fun. again the red-hot favourite for the top Rule #4: Keep it real 7 – maximum number of podium finish in Whitehorse. The Team Alaska might be the best in dogs on an AWG dog difference being, that now their key the circumpolar world but it’s a steep mushing team. Seven rules for success will be revealed: climb to get to the top level in US dogs are used in the 13 Rule #1: Create a good volleyball. “Several of my girls will kilometre race. The atmosphere play College, Division One,” Knecht shorter races have teams “We are really comfortable with says. “But even if we are looking re- of four, five or six dogs. each other,” 16-year-old Allison ally good here, believe me: When we 5 – length of the time Leigh says. “We cheer for our boys, go to the States and play, we get ham- penalty in minutes a make signs for them – and they do mered just like we are hammering musher receives if he the same for us. That’s probably the people here.” loses his team and coolest part of the whole trip: meet- Rule #5: Stay positive accepts a ride with ing so many new people and making “Don’t think about losing, think another musher to so many new friends.” Coach Judy about winning,” Allison says. Even if recover his dogs. Knecht agrees, “My personal aim is the girls don’t win gold, they would 4 – number of gold that they come away with memories ‘use the defeat as a motivation for medals Team Yukon won they will carry for a lifetime.” the next Games.’ For their coach, at the 2010 AWG, Rule #2: Believe in talent, the biggest goal is first to avoid in- making Yukon the most not in training juries, then to do well. “Though I’m successful contingent in Each player has been playing vol- sure amongst my coaching comrades this sport two years ago. leyball for many years. But would you who have watched the Games for years, I would be ripped quite a bit (if 1 – all sleds or tobbo- believe that the team didn’t train to- we don’t come first),” she says and gans must be capable of gether once before the AWG? “We ac- laughs. safely carrying a driver tually missed our practice because our and one injured dog. In Memory of Liz Hooe 0 – there is zero There is one very special reason why Alaska’s Female Volleyball tolerance policy for dog team gives their best at the 2012 AWG: Liz Hooe, former coach abuse. (Penalties for abuse and mother of setter Morgan Hooe, passed away from cancer in of any dog may result in January. She had trained the girls for many years. “She motivated disqualification from a race. Dog abuse is defined as everyone to be super-good,” Lindsey Logan recalls. “She got ev- unnecessary force, punching, eryone in Alaska into the Arctic Winter Games, she got everyone beating or kicking a dog. ) Alaska junior female volleyball players attempt to block the attack pumped up. Now Morgan is in a way playing for her here – and all of our motivation is to play for her.” from Team Nunavut. Photo credit: MARK KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY

To all the athletes, coaches and volunteers of the 2012 Arctic Winter Games. Phone: 667-7000 • 3 Bonanza Place May you have a true Yukon experience! Whitehorse Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games • Thursday, March 8, 2012 ULU News 3 FAMILY TIME,COURTSIDE by INDRA KLEY TOP Where would the Games be with- bies. Eric’s mother is here to play for four months ago, booking hotel rooms. out the parents? It’s safe to say there is Team Nunavut. “Now that we’re here, we feel like TWEETS no fan who feels the excitement and the With her was Susie Aupaluktug of we’re in a dream,” Aupaluktuq says. pain of competition quite like a parent. Baker Lake, who came to Whitehorse This is not her first Games, though There are more than a few sports to watch daughter and sister Rachael “I’ve travelled before to the Games moms here this week. In fact, Team play basketball. Her older daughter when my older daughter was an ath- It’s a good way @charity_price Nunavut has one playing on its bas- April also accompanied her. lete,” she adds. “we aren’t here for ketball team. Good thing she brought “We’re big fans of basketball April was a basketball player at to keep kids a basketball grandma with her. where we come from,” Aupaluktuq the AWG from 2006 to 2010. She still a long time, we’re The Ulu caught up with a few says. In fact, most of the team is from plays, and in Baker Lake, there is co- busy and just here for a good family members while watching the Baker Lake. ed basketball three nights a week. time” #AWG Nunavut-NWT game on Wednesday. They team was required to go “It’s a good way to keep kids encourage Faith Mautaritnaaq watched most to Iqaluit to train for approximately busy and encourage sports and stay sports and of the game standing up. It wasn’t a month prior to the Games, with a active,” she says. just the excitement; it was also be- one-week visit home midway through Just don’t ask Baby Eric his opin- stay active @PaaxtonBrucee cause she was carrying her 15-month training. So the trip here is the result ion. He slept for more than half the old grandson in her amauti, the tra- of many months of anticipation. Game, but after it was over, he was Loving all the new ditional Inuit parka used to carry ba- The family started planning nearly delighted to see his mom. friends I’m making :) #awg2012 WATCH YOURSELF @Northernjournal She’s on a roll! Fort IN ACTION! Smith’s Veronica McDonald won AWG Daily on TV triple jump this a.m. (Whitehorse cable That’s 4/4 for this channel 9) and a You- Arctic sports Tube gadget near you. New episodes at 9 pm athlete! #awg2012 daily during the Games. @SportNorth

Day 4: Wednesday, March 7 edition: Speed Skating @awg2012 Dog Mushing Which Arctic Gymnastics Winter sport Soccer should you NOT bring a cowbell to? AWG Daily captures #awg2012 the flavour and pizazz #morecowbell of the Games. Yukoner Chris McNutt gives us a small sampling of the energy and excite- @Makaylafarrell ment happening around Hand games in the town. Catch the faces of athletes lounge is the kids, spot someone getting intense you know, see the ac- #awg2012 tion and feel the electri- fying energy in the air. Nunavut basketball player Katrina Mautaritnaaq with son Eric

Cell Phone Central would like to wish good luck to all of the Arctic Winter Games Athletes! The Blackberry 8530, CDMA SmartPhone is in stock now! The Power and Reliability of a Blackberry SmartPhone that will work throughout the communities of the Yukon! Full keyboard for easy messaging and expandable memory for all your multimedia needs. $0 on a new 3 year agreement, $399.95 full price Sign any 1, 2 or 3 year New Agreement and get a $75.00 instant accessory credit during the AWG!

Mention this ad in store to get 10% off all accessories purchased during the AWG!

205 Black Street • 668-5555 4 ULU News Thursday, March 8, 2012 • Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games THE PLAYERS THE WHO’S WHO OF THE GAMES

BEHINDTHESCENES THE DIAS FAMILY, from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut WAY BETTER THAN Father Tony Dias, coach. SLICED BREAD Mother Shawna Dias, coach AWG food services team goes beyond the box and veteran of the 1988 and by HEATHER LEDUC 1990 Games. Gene Batten has thousands of mouths to feed, but it doesn’t seem to Son Tristen Dias, age 16, faze him. dog musher and veteran Heading up food services for the Arctic Winter Games, Batten hasn’t from 2010 Games. slept much lately, evidenced by our 6:30 am interview as the hours count down to the opening ceremonies. Son Tyrese Dias, age 12, He’s been through this before with the Canada Winter Games, when dog musher and handler. Batten and his team raised the bar for food services, eschewing boxed lunches for fresh, hot meals and lots of choice. He comes to his role with Daughter Shanti Dias, age 9, experience, confidence and a very important lesson: he can never order youngest member of Team too much chocolate milk. Nunavut competing in “We’re not going to say to them, ‘you can only have one pork chop.’” gymnastics. Homer Simpson would have a heyday. Athletes can eat as much as they want, whatever they want, pretty much any time of day. At breakfast, there are ham and eggs and hash browns. There are THREE HUNDRED POUNDS! stacks of pancakes, waffles or French toast, and sausages or bacon, de- by KAREN KEELEY pending on the day. Lunch and dinner include two entrées. One day fea- tures veal cutlet parmigiana or vegetarian quesadillas as an entrée, with What would it take for you to Grand Prairie. It was an 8 hour flight “These Games are the perfect tim- sides of ravioli pasta and rice and mixed vegetables. travel with 12 dogs and 300 pounds for them on Buffalo Airways DC3 ing for Tristen because he has just lost If the set meal hours don’t fit an athlete’s inclination or schedule, graz- of gear? For the Dias family from with a stop-over about half way for his grandfather who taught him all the ing stations are open from 6:00 am to 10:00 am for breakfast, and 10:00 Rankin Inlet – located on the west fuel, and a break for the dogs.” With ropes of Kimuqsiq (dog mushing),” am to 10:00 pm for lunch and dinner. Grazers will find something for every coast of Hudson Bay in Nunavut – it all the love, affection and attention the elder Dias said. He also shared the taste and dietary restriction: salads, hot dogs and hamburgers, sandwiches, means impeccable coordination cou- their canine friends receive, the dogs family’s expectations to try their very stir fries, pasta, chili, pizza and soup. Fresh fruit salad is in abundance, as is pled with timing and logistics. are expected to do fine during the best and make new friends, returning coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices, water and, of course, chocolate milk. As a family, they are packing dog 3-hour journey covering more than home with wonderful memories. And if in spite of this variety there’s still a need that isn’t being filled, sleds, straw, dog food, harnesses, 2,200 kilometres. The Nunavut contingent, com- Batten and his team will make sure no one goes without supper. gang lines, dog dishes and buckets to But what about the family? Dias prised of 283 members will compete “We’re a team and when a team really comes together, great things prepare the dog food. Somewhere in speaks enthusiastically about the five in wrestling, volleyball, table tennis, happen.” that mix, will be their own personal of them traveling together. “This will speed skating, indoor soccer, hockey, Batten is surrounded by a kitchen full of chefs, culinary arts students and belongings – everything needed for be a Games to remember. My wife gymnastics, Dene Games, curling, young people who keep the food services engine at Yukon College running the 2012 Arctic Winter Games. Shawna will coach Tyrese, and I will basketball, badminton, Arctic Sports, 24 hours a day. He relies on the team to bring everything together and to of- Tony Dias, his wife Shawna, and be coaching Tristen. My daughter and of course, dog mushing! Seven fer quality choices in spite of the high volume of meals they’re producing. children, Tristen, Tyrese and Shanti Shanti, gymnast, is the youngest ath- cultural ambassadors are also travel- “We’re not just putting out food to feed them, we want them to feel are excited. Tristen and Tyrese are lete competing from Nunavut.” ing with Team Nunavut. welcome.” competing in dog mushing. Tyrese, Shawna Dias, a games veteran, is One athlete from Grise Fiord, For Batten, customer service is as much a priority as excellent food the younger son, is also handling excited because the last time she par- is perhaps the first from Canada’s service. That can mean anything from saying “good morning” to making dogs for a friend, Harry Towtongie, ticipated at the Arctic Winter Games northernmost community to make himself available to athletes, coaches and mission staff. a well-known Nunavut dog musher. was in 1988 and 1990. Shawna won the team. Whitehorse looks forward He makes a point of visiting with mission staff offices and making Tony and Shawna are coaches. gold for indoor soccer for team Nu- to welcoming the Dias family, their connections. He likes hearing what’s working, but also wants to know “We’ve estimated 300 lbs of navut. Tristen and his father attended dogs, and all members of Team Nu- what isn’t working. And then he’ll do his best to fix it. supplies, plus the dogs,” Tony Dias the 2010 Games where Tristen re- navut. We can only imagine that for “We’ll bend over backwards, literally, to make it happen if we can,” shared. “The dogs travelled well ceived a bronze for Team Nunavut everyone involved, it will be a howl- says Batten. at the last Arctic Winter Games to for dog mushing. ing success.

Xerox Canada Ltd. salutes the athletes of The Arctic Winter Games Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games • Thursday, March 8, 2012 ULU News 5

pride in the athletes coming out of everywhere would agree. What bet- our communities. ter way to nurture young bodies and COACHING: NOT FOR “This is our home,” said John- minds than by helping youngsters ston. “We are damn proud of it! And grow into the best they can possibly most of the games such as Arctic be, especially when competing for THE FAINT OF HEART Sports and Dene Games are northern their home jurisdiction at the Arctic by KAREN KEELEY games. They are meant for winter Winter Games. situations. It is good to show every- Coaching is not for the faint of “I have always worked with kids one that the north is unique and we Short Bio: heart. It takes grit, stamina and de- in all kinds of sports,” said John- are just as important as other areas.” termination to lay out a game plan, ston, “They inspire me. I learn so When you think about the many SHOUT SAM JOHNSTON get up before the crack of dawn, much from them, and if I can help sports youngsters can play, each • Born and raised in Teslin, Yukon wipe those sleepy eyes, wolf down a even just one kid in life to be happy helps them to develop strength, • Elder of the Ishkitan Clan of cup of hot black coffee, bundle up in with who they are, then that is one stamina and balance through end- OUTS the Teslin Tlingit Council parka and mitts and then scrape ice of the biggest rewards I can get.” less hours of practice. That’s why • Coached Dene Games and from your vehicle’s windshield be- Johnston speaks fondly about the coaching is so important. Men- Archery fore you can head to the ski hill, ski the different sports he’s been privy torship nurtures these attributes • Chief of the Teslin Tlingit trail, curling rink, ice rink, gym, soc- to, such as Arctic Sports that in- that are integral to living healthy NOTABLE Council for more than a de- cer field or skating oval – that special volve mainly individual events like lifestyles tempered with respect for RECIPIENTS OF place where your kids are gathered the high kick and knuckle jump, individuality and teamwork. cade; early 1970s to mid THE FAIR PLAY 1980s for the all-important practice. and the more team-oriented events Today, Johnston works at the • Member of the Yukon Sometimes it’s after a busy day of of the Dene Games such as the school in Teslin where he continues PINS FOR TODAY Legislature work. You remember – that day job pole push, finger pull, stick pole, to mentor students in the commu- • Inaugural First Nation that actually pays you a salary, and snow snake and hand games. All of nity and when time allows, he trav- Speaker of the House for you ask yourself – why bother? You this makes for exciting action for els to Whitehorse and other Yukon David Thomas Yukon Government, and bother because your kids are relying crowds eager to cheer on their fa- communities to share his knowl- Alaska the first Aboriginal Speaker on you. They need your support. vourite athletes. edge, traditions and wisdom with in Canada Sam Johnston, a Teslin Tlingit “The main thing I tell the kids kids who are eager to learn. Arctic Sports: • One of 12 Yukon Chiefs who Council Elder harbours these traits. is to do their best,” said Johnston. His reward is the pride he feels presented Together Today He first began coaching in 1990 “That does not mean win or lose be- when he sees the kids he’s coached “For his determi- as an Arctic Winter Games coach cause if you try and you do the very for our Children Tomorrow to grow into respectful individuals nation, for helping then Prime Minister Trudeau for the Dene Games, and was then best that you can do, then you are busy with their own families, and in Ottawa in 1973 asked to be an official for the Dene a winner regardless what the scores eager to pass on the legacies of hon- his competitors • Received the Yukon Games. His travels have taken him say.” our, trust and respect that define not Commissioner’s Award and to Alaska, Alberta and Greenland. In Johnston believes that the Arctic only great coaches but speak to the and for the posi- inducted into the Sport Yukon, he coached kids from across Winter Games are important. They integrity of all those willing to lose tive energy he Yukon Hall of Fame the territory, drawing strength from show the rest of the country along a few hour sleep to help others. • Early passions for Dog their commitment to play, some- with the rest of the world that we “Holding the Arctic Winter gives everyone. Mushing, Archery and Tlingit thing that fuelled his love to keep have top-notch athletes in the north Games in the north gives us pride Always smiling!” dancing on coaching and giving back to the and provide an opportunity to share in being northern people,” con- community. our pride as northerners and our cluded Johnston. Northern coaches Way to go David!

Casey Ferguson Competitors Alaska with painted Arctic Sports: faces participate in Hand Games “Casey was at the Kwanlin instrumental in Dun First Nations getting the Arctic Cultural Centre Sports specifics for brackets ready Photo credit: by helping Tina Brobby coaches and mission staff.” Right on Casey!

yukon energy keeping tradition in play 6 ULU News Thursday, March 8, 2012 • Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games THE VIEW FROM UP HERE NEWS FROM THE PODIUM QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Canadians, cast your gaze a little further north to the Arctic Winter Games”

Jian Ghomeshi, Host of CBC Radio’s Q

Ulu News on CBC’s TWO MINUTES FOR Airplay today! AWG ULU COUNT As of 7:00pm Wednesday, March 7 LOOKING SO GOOD Tune into CBC Yukon’s Airplay (570 AM in White- by THOMAS SCHOENEICH horse) between 4:30 and CONTINGENT TOTAL

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• As a beer league player, I’ve up music, Angie quickly jots down 5:00 this afternoon to catch seen my share of snippets of a hock- the names of goal scorers or penal- Ulu News’ hockey analyst Alaska 32 34 30 96 ey game from the inside of a pen- ized players for him to read off. Her Joel Whitten chat with Dave •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• alty box. Watching the whole game son Devon is a goalie for the Yukon White about how the on-ice Yukon 20 25 14 59 from that vantage point, however, is Bantams. action is shaking down. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• a completely different experience. “We’re going to run out of pa- Don’t miss it! “We’re just hockey moms do- per with all these penalties!” laughs NWT 14 16 28 58 ing our part,” says Angie Troke, Jennifer, looking up from her duties explaining how she, Jennifer Logan running the scoreboard control pan- business at this end as everyone •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• and Julie Grant found themselves in el. Her daughter Madisson, is a cen- prepares for the next period. That Yamal 24 17 9 50 the time keeper’s box. ter for the Yukon team and tonight is until Cedric cranks up Chubby •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Joining them for tonight’s tilt her son Sam, a Whitehorse Mus- Checker’s, The Twist and the whole Alberta featuring the NWT Bantam Males tang, is doorman for Team Alaska’s booth starts dancing. North 17 13 15 45 versus Alaska is Cedric Autit. Ce- penalty box. “Sam, your guy is out When the game resumes, a puck •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• dric traveled from Rankin Inlet to at 6:25,” she shouts across the box. sails over the glass and out of play watch his daughter Layla play goal Julie keeps the box score. She and so I quietly reach back into the Greenland 755 17 for team Nunavut. He brought with diligently keeps track of penalties, cooler and pass another forward. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• him a laptop full of rocking tunes to goals, and assists. A handbook of For a brief moment, I’m not just an Nunavut 457 16 play during breaks in the play, and a referee hand signals and their de- observer, but a part of the behind •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• natural announcer’s voice. Cedric’s scriptions sits open in front of her. the scenes crew that helps shape Nunavik got a style all his own and sounds It’s a family affair in here, as her the game without ever being seen Québec 337 13 perfectly at home as he calls the son John busily works the gate for or recognized. I smile to myself, •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• game in both English and Inuktitut. the Team NWT penalty box. because it feels good to be part of 211 4 To make sure Cedric is able to In between periods while the the game without ever stepping on Sápmi focus on announcing and queuing spectators take a break, it’s all the ice. Prepaid Wireless has arrived Finally, the super-easy-no-commitments-pay-as-you-go Get Latitude cell phone option you’ve always wanted is HERE! Prepaid Wireless, the no strings attached cellular solution.

Powered by Northwestel in partnership Visit a local Latitude Retailer to Whitehorse with Dakwakada Development Corporation Latitude Wireless Kiosk (Shoppers Drug Mart) purchase Prepaid phones and cards. nd Official Supplier of the Whitehorse 2012 Northwestel Retail Centre (2 Ave. and Lambert) 1-866-803-2365 C Y K Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games • Thursday, March 8, 2012 M ULU News 7 CLOSE-UPS & SNAPSHOTS YOUR PHOTOS More photos available on the AWG Flickr website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/awg2012/

1 Tagish Kwan Dancers at the CGC ATCO Stage (Photo by Bruce Barrett) 2 A member of Nunavut’s hockey team (Photo by Tina Brobby) 3 Junior female gymnast from Team Alaska (Photo by Bruce Barrett) 4 A spectator catches some digital soccer action 5 Claire Ness performs during ColdSpell at the Yukon Arts Centre (Photo by Ruth Borgfjord) 6 Com- petitor in the Two Foot High Kick (Photo by Tim Hogan) 7 Scene from the ski races at Mt McIntyre (Photo by Omaar Reyna) 8 Sidney Nichol of Nunavut during the dog mushing event (Photo by David Musselwhite)

C Y K M 8 ULU News Thursday, March 8, 2012 • Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games TALENT & SKILL DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

During the off season months, needed to get their feet under them to tree and core poses such as boat quick- when the slopes are bare of snow, successfully land their jumps. Athletes ly identify weak points which can be TRAMPOLINES & YOGA snowboarders were able to practice also learn how to safely land by falling improved through strength building Cross training methods that pay off and learn new tricks bouncing on into pits filled with foam blocks or gi- workouts. by BRIGITTE PARKER trampolines. ant air bags. Another important component to “The trampoline teaches athletes Since snowboarding is a multidi- the class were the breathing exercises. While popular, snowboarding is ing a dry land training program, Yu- how to move their bodies in the air and mensional sport, a multidimensional This trained athletes to control their still a relatively new and evolving kon Snowboard Coach Mary Binsted overall air awareness in a less risky en- training program is required. While breath while increasing their lung ca- competitive sport. Faced with design- and her team got creative. vironment,” explains Binsted. “Tram- the trampoline practices offer skills pacity and concentration skills. polines are valuable in improving bal- development, Team Yukon also par- Nonetheless, the most popular ance and strengthening leg muscles.” ticipated in a series of yoga classes. pose was always the last one of yoga Bouncing on a trampoline simu- Snowboarding requires a flex- class: corpse pose. In this pose, every- lates the skill and rhythm of riding on ible body to twist, turn and perform one rests lying on their backs to allow a snowboard. A rider can practice trick tricks without getting muscle strain the body to integrate what was done maneuvers repeatedly in a fairly safe or other injuries. The yoga classes during class. The pose was so popular, and confined area. The trampoline were designed to increase flexibility some athletes wished the class started helps build on basic skills and gain along with core strength and stability. with it! This underlies the importance confidence during hang time as ath- Working through a series of poses, the of building resting times in the overall letes become increasingly comfortable mostly 14 to 18 year-old young men training program. with spinning and flipping in the air. discovered that yoga was demanding Hopefully, post AWG, all athletes Riders can also learn how to twist and sweaty but effective in increasing will be able to rest satisfied at their and gyrate their bodies in directions flexibility. Balancing poses such as performance at the Games.

GUINEA PIG: KICK IT LIKE JOSH Arctic Sports shouldn’t be hard to learn, if you are coached by a professional. At least that’s what I thought. by THOMAS SCHOENEICH

I think I can say that I might session, I wish I would have never My Arctic Sports career lasted an have set a new German record in the entered the gym. hour, then I retired – exhausted and im- Knuckle Hop – but there’s no fame In my defence, gymnastics and pressed with what Josh and his team- in it. It’s just because the number of flexibility were never my strong mates are able to do with their bodies. Germans who have done a Knuckle points and I kept blaming Josh Arctic Sports is a true test of one’s Hop before I tried it last week was tongue-in-cheek that I didn’t get a physical and mental capabilities. probably close to zero. warm-up. I don’t know whether I’d try it So I keep myself in a good mood Therefore the Kneel Jump was a again but I would go and watch any- by thinking that the mere 2.5 jumps I disaster. I didn’t even manage to get time. So should you: At the 2012 managed were enough to call myself off my feet while Josh landed between AWG, Arctic Sports take place at a record holder. four and five feet in front of me. the Vanier Catholic School, Monday There is no doubt that Arctic The Knuckle Hop – I reckon a through Friday. Sports had to be included in our frog suffering from asthma would AWG-guinea pig series for the Ulu hop better. News. It’s one of the sports that define The Sledge Jump, yeah, I was fine these Games. for ten jumps, maybe even twelve. So I met with Josh Carr. Josh has But the record for this event in the I reckon a frog been an athlete and coach for Team Open Men’s is an intimidating 830 suffering from Yukon since 2006. Two years ago he jumps set in 2006. presented Arctic Sports at the Vancou- I didn’t give up though. I gave asthma would ver Olympics. He wouldn’t swap Arc- Josh a run for his money in the Head tic Sports for any other sports, he says. Pull – or at least I thought so. And I hop better. He loves it. He makes it look so easy. managed the first Alaskan High Kick And I, well, five minutes after I in my life – no, I’m not going to men- Guinea Pig Thomas Schoeneich had met Josh for a personal training tion the height of the target. on his attempt at the Knuckle Hop WELCOME On behalf of the Yukon Liberal the Arctic. The Games bring out the CAUCUS Caucus, we’d like to welcome all best in everyone, providing all of our Sandy Silver Darius Elias athletes, officials, coaches, dignitaries, solid citizens and future leaders with MLA Klondike MLA Vuntut Gwitchin [email protected] Interim Leader Yukon Liberal Party volunteers, and visitors to the 2012 a sense of camaraderie and allowing (867)393-7007 [email protected] Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse. them to forge lasting friendships. (867)456-6710 The Arctic Winter Games is a proud tradition, uniting representatives from It is an honour to have the 2012 the circumpolar world through the Arctic Winter Games hosted in the passion, endurance and teamwork of Yukon this year. Good luck to all sport, and allowing us to showcase participants, and to those visiting, our vibrant living cultures throughout welcome to our beautiful territory! Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games • Thursday, March 8, 2012 ULU News 9

NWI_4066_AWG_Ulu_News_Thank_You_Planning_Ad.indd 1 12-02-10 4:21 PM 10 ULU News Thursday, March 8, 2012 • Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games CULTURAL BEAT YOUR DAILY DOSE OF AWG CULTURE GET POSTS FROM HOME: GAMES GEAR PINNED AWG ♥ FACEBOOK PIN OF THE DAY by HEATHER LEDUC Activity is fast and furious on the 3. Appeals for photos Arctic Winter Games Facebook page. and video Why have one Many of the posts are being generated The folks back home are missing by AWG volunteers, but lots originate the live action, but they still want to from athletes and the folks back home. pin when you can experience the Games. The social me- Volunteer Sara Bergquist has been dia team at AWG responds to requests go big and create monitoring the AWG Facebook page for images and video, often combined and responding to questions. a whole new with links to Flickr and YouTube: “It’s pretty touching because many • Post: “If anyone is going to the image with of the participants are a long way Nunavut Girls hockey game tonight, many? A definite from home,” said Bergquist. “Family and friends have a way to stay con- please take some pictures of the buzz at these nected and send their love across the coaches and post them, Cassie Wilson games is the circumpolar north.” is my daughter, and Steve Paterson is BASKETBALL SHORTS: Most of the posts fall into three the son of a friend. Thanks!!” puzzle pin. Two categories: In this case, Sara Bergquist con- veyed the request to photographer GO BIG OR GO HOME of the most 1. Cheering on the team by GLENDA KOH This is the most popular type of Bruce Barrett, who then took many popular puzzle post. No matter which team the post photos of the game, updated Flickr Basketball shorts have a long history. In fact, everything about basket- pins are the par- is directed to, the message remains and Sara posted the link on Facebook ball shorts seems to be getting longer and longer. the same: for Cassie’s family. Just ask the Alaska Junior Female team, whose uniforms are so big, ticipating team • NUNAVUT!! NUNAVUT!! GO • Way to go Bruce and Sara! most girls have to fold over their waistbands and roll up their sleeves. pins. There are team NUNAVUT!! WOOT WOOT!! The Ulu News caught up with some of them just prior to their Wednesday • Aipai laguma Nunavik laritsi!!! Social media and Team game against Team Yukon. only a few days Aipai!!... Aipai!!... Nunavik-Québec “They’re so big because they’re actually UAF [University of Alaska left in the Games, • GO TEAM ALASKA! (= At least one team is sharing the Fairbanks] jerseys,” explains athlete Asia Do: “They’re meant for college 2. Family fans games through social media: Team women, and most of us are 8th and 9th graders.” The team may have a few extra yards of fabric to drag around, but so if you’ve only The athletes may have grown up Nunavik-Québec’s families and their striking white uniforms make a formidable sight. The glare of the with social media, but they’re not the friends follow their athletes’ progress got a small piece fluorescent lights makes them nearly luminous. only generation on Facebook. Parents on the team Facebook page. There Basketball shorts have evolved from the snug shorts worn from the of a puzzle, and grandparents, aunties and uncles are updates on the events, photos of 1920s through the 1970s, to the baggier fit attributed to Michael Jordan are sending messages to their Genera- athletes in action and pictures from you’ve got some in the 1980s. Since then, they have become even baggier and longer, with tion Y relatives at the games: the podiums. They also have links to some leagues putting a maximum length on them. work to do! • “Hey Megan Wiebe Hope you video on their own YouTube channel. For the Alaska girls team, they love the sport, and they love the shorts. have a fantastic time Good Luck. We are How to write an AWG “I wear them to school,” said Nikki Ferrey. “No tights underneath, just Cheering for you GO MEAGAN GO!!!! Facebook post the shorts. It’s a bit cold, but it’s only this part of my leg that’s exposed,” she Love you Aunty Sue and Uncle Rob The great thing about Facebook said, indicating the four-inch portion of her leg between her sock and knee. • “go n.w.t. from grandma lucille posts is the spontaneity. There are no Team Alaska isn’t self-conscious about their oversized look, either. As in kamloops b.c.” rules on Facebook, but there are a few Ne’Chelle Martinez says, “It doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing • “God Bless, watch over and suggestions to make the posts more when you play.” Bring strength, surety and accuracy expressive and emphatic: Taylor Hasting adds, “We’re just here to play basketball.” to Team NWT throughout the 2012 • Use exclamation marks!!! Lots AWG! Go Team NWT Go! All My of them!!! Love to my sons Kolton Billy Dan- • Use CAPITAL LETTERS! WHEN adjectives For the athletes in Whitehorse iel in Junior Mens Volleyball and YOU’RE CHEERING ON YOUR Example: Way To Go Team NWT and their friends and family at home, Kynwill Gordon-Ruben in Midget TEAM, YOU WANT TO MAKE IT Hockey Midget Male WON over Team Facebook has revolutionized the way Hockey!!! So Proud of You, we are LOOK LIKE YOU’RE YELLING! Yukon 4 -2!!! WhoootWhooot UI UI.... the games are being shared. cheering you on from HOME!!!!” • Use lots of wicked superlative Keep it up Boys!!!! Awesome!!! HOORAY FOR FACEBOOK!!!!!!

ARCTIC SPONSOR

Proud Sponsor of the 2012 Arctic Winter Games!

Read the Whitehorse Star Online! www.whitehorsestar.com

Established 1900 • Independently owned and operated Canadian Daily Newspaper 2149-2nd Avenue, Whitehorse, YT • (867) 668-2002 Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games • Thursday, March 8, 2012 ULU News 11 THANK-YOU The 2012 Arctic Winter Games would not be possible without the following sponsors! Partners Funding/ Community esenting Legacy Partners Klondike Pr

Gwìch’inat Eenjit Gàdatr’igwijìlcheii Gidilii ctic Gwich’in Tribal Council

Ar Gwich’in Development Corporation eal Bor ficial Of Suppliers Polar

Lackowicz & Hoffman

NORTHERN CROSS

• Business Development • Yukon Chamber of Mines • Staples • Wildland Fire Management • Super Save Propane • Kiwi Contracting Bank of Canada • Yukon Gold Mining Alliance • Physio Plus • Yukon Geological Survey • Acme Analytical Labs • Challenge Community • ALS Minerals • Bank of Montreal • Yukon Government Department • Victoria Gold of Education Vocational Alternatives • Kluane Drilling • Northerm • Medicine Chest Pharmacy • Northern Trailer • First Nations Bank •Yukon Government Economic • Easy Home • Vandelay Systems • Manitoulin Transport • Arctic Construction

Games • Northern Tales Development • Centennial Motors • Yukon Government Highways

• Integraphics Friends of • Jacob’s Industries Ltd. the Games Supporters • Yukon Federation of Labour • MacKay LLP and Public Works • Yukon-Nevada Gold • Walmart • Tait Trailers • Patrick Royle • G-P Distributing • Meadia Solutions C C Y Y K K M 12 ULU News M Thursday, March 8, 2012 • Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games Congratulations to all the Athletes!

Get the Purchasing Power You Need! Located in Whitehorse since 1998. Call Christie for your residential or commercial financing needs.

Christie Richardson Mortgage Professional

Phone 867-668-5565 Cell 867-334-5565 Fax 867-667-7005 Email [email protected] Apply Online www.christierichardson.com

MORMMORTRTGAGETGAGAGEGE BBROKERSROROKEK RSRS NNETWOREETTWOORKRK

C Y C K Y M K M