Background on the Arctic Winter Games

The Arctic Winter Games are an international sport festival bringing together athletes from Alaska, Greenland, Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Nunavut, Yukon, Yamal (Russia) and Sapmi (Northern Scandinavia). The Arctic Winter Games have a unique flavour; they are known as the "friendly games" as they combine competitive and cultural aspects.

The concept of the Arctic Winter Games was developed as a direct result of the experiences of northern athletes at the 1967 Canada Winter Games. Representatives of the Yukon and Northwest Territories realized that their teams were at a isadvantage due to relatively small athlete pools, lack of facilities and infrequent training opportunities. Therefore, the oncept of an event specificially designed for northern athletes was born.

The first Games were staged in 1970 in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and these Games have occurred every two years since, alternating among the participating contingents. Team Alberta North joined the Arctic Winter Games in 1986.

The athletes named to Team Alberta North have improved their skills from instructional clinics, training camps and selection events. Participants are looking forward to competing against their northern counterparts.