Team Nunavut headed to the 2014 Arctic Winter Games
News Release
For Immediate Release
Team Nunavut headed to the 2014 Arctic Winter Games
IQALUIT, Nunavut (March 12, 2014) – As athletes prepare to depart for the Arctic Winter Games (AWGs), Team Nunavut today announced its official roster. The 2014 AWGs are scheduled from March 15 to 22 in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Team Nunavut consists of 279 participants including athletes, coaches, managers, mission staff and cultural performers from communities across Nunavut.
"Our athletes have dedicated countless hours toward practising their sport for an opportunity to participate at a high-level competition like the AWGs," said Tom Sammurtok, Minister of Community and Government Services. "These athletes, coaches and participants are ambassadors for our territory on the world stage, while at the same time, are leaders in our communities."
Nunavut’s flag bearer for the opening ceremonies is Judy Mariq, a hockey player from Baker Lake. Mariq is selected because of the leadership qualities she shows on and off the ice. She also led her team to a gold medal victory at Nunavut’s first territorial female hockey tournament.
With an impressive showing at the territorial Arctic sports event and being one of the team’s youngest athletes, Deon Kuglugiak, from Chesterfield Inlet, is representing Nunavut as the sign bearer.
Cultural performances throughout the week showcase the Inuksuk Drum Dancers from Iqaluit. As well, 14 mission staff have been selected to provide assistance in coordinating teams throughout the games.
Team Nunavut athletes and performers participate in over 15 events, including Arctic sports, badminton, basketball, curling, Dene games, dog mushing, figure skating, gymnastics, hockey, soccer, speed skating, table tennis, volleyball, wrestling and cultural events.
The AWGs is the world’s largest northern multisport and cultural event and involves over 2,000 youth athletes from northern and Arctic communities across the world. Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavik, Northern Alberta, Greenland, Sapmi, Yamal and Alaska are all participating jurisdictions at the AWGs this year.
"We recognize the efforts of our territorial sport organizations and coaches who create opportunities for our athletes to develop their skills and compete in events throughout the year," said Minister Sammurtok. "None of this would be possible without the help of our volunteers whose tireless support makes it possible for Team Nunavut to participate in the AWGs."
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NOTE TO MEDIA: A copy of the Team Nunavut roster can be provided upon request.
Media Contact:
Hillary Casey
Communications Officer
Department of Community and Government Services
867-975-5342