A letter to Participants from a proud Volunteer & Mat-Su Resident: All of us here in Alaska, and throughout the Matanuska Susitna Valley, would like to warmly welcome you to the 2024 Arctic Winter Games! For months, we’ve been anticipating your arrival, and the enthusiasm for the Games can be felt throughout the valley and all across the state. So many of us dedicated parents, coaches, sponsors, local volunteers, and countless young people throughout Alaska have come together to welcome you to our home–to make the 2024 Arctic Winter Games an experience unlike any other. The old saying rings true, it does literally take a village (ahem, or six) to successfully host an event such as this, and we genuinely hope you have the most spectacular time. Watching all these buses drive into town, loaded up with so many young athletes ready to play, compete, dance, sing, feast, make friends, and create memories– it’s all just so genuinely heartwarming, and it truly feels like there’s magic in the air as we kickoff this year’s Games. This experience will be the talk of Alaska for years to come and we are so grateful to have you as our honored guests. So, as the 2024 Arctic Winter Games kick into full swing on Monday, I hope you take a moment to breathe in the crisp winter air and look around; discover a sporting event that excites you, an artist that inspires you, a song that moves you. May this experience bring you a refreshed sense of joy and adventure, and we hope that by the time the week concludes, you’ll consider us not just friends, but family. Here’s to rising strong, together. Sincerely, Patricia Parker, Volunteer & Mat-Su Resident

Futsal wasn’t set to start for another hour, but the electricity in the air was palpable as fans awaited the continuation of competition following Opening Ceremonies. Volunteers worked to finish preparations as teams arrived for an exciting Futsal match between Northwest Territories and Yukon. This match marked Northwest Territories’ first sport competition of the 2024 Arctic Winter Games, and the team was eager to play. Athletes chatted amongst themselves excitedly as Yukon and Northwest Territories completed their warm-up drills on opposing ends of the court. With six minutes until kickoff, family and friends gathered to the left of the court to cheer, their plastic clappers and flags waving in support of their team. In no time, the whistle blew for teams to line up and stand for the playing of Canada’s National Anthem. As the final notes played, the teams met for the first time and shook hands at center court. Four players and a goalie from each contingent entered the court, and with the sharp blow of a whistle, they were off! It didn’t take long for Yukon to score the first goal, and the stakes rose. Northwest Territories and Yukon both doubled-down on their gameplay. Yukon’s lead quickly grew to 5-0 as the buzzer rang out marking the end of the first half. During halftime the teams gathered with their respective coaches to receive advice and words of encouragement. The athletes took the court with an air of renewed determination as they started the second half of the game. Pushing for a win, both teams ran faster and pushed harder, but when one player fell, another player wasted no time helping them to their feet and resuming the competition. Yukon won the Sunday afternoon match with a final score of 8-1, but everyone in the crowd agreed that the players of both teams played with heart and determination.

Did you know that Arctic Winter Games volunteer jackets were specifically designed to fit the needs of living in the Arctic and Northern regions of the globe? The volunteers serving at this year’s games, much like any of us in the North, may face harsh conditions at any time. The 2024 Host Society, partnering with Karbon, have created a volunteer uniform that not only protects these great folks who have freely given their time to serve, but also helps them stand out when you need assistance. There are many things to love about this year’s volunteer uniform, but most importantly we love how easy it is to tell who is who! Teal Uniforms: This is who you see when you need answers to the big questions! Teal uniforms identify Host Society Board Members, Staff, and Committee Chairs. Blue Uniforms: These are general volunteers - they come to get things DONE. Red Uniforms: Medical Volunteers are here to keep us healthy and safe and have gone through lots of training to be here for us! Dark Blue Uniforms: These are Sport Officials. They help keep play fair, balanced and by the book! Yellow Safety Vest: Here to keep out the riff raff and ensure secure operations at each venue, our Security Volunteers mean business. Fun Fact: This year’s Arctic Winter Games actually has more volunteers than participants. Be sure to thank those who assist you for their time! We could not put on the Arctic Winter Games without them!

On a blue-bird clear day with temperatures that didn’t rise above 10F(-12.22C) Ted Stevens International Airport‘s North Terminal was humming with energy on Saturday. Throughout the day athletes from across the circumpolar north arrived for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games held this year for the first time in the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska. As jet-lagged athletes came off the escalators, they were greeted by a swarm of cheering volunteers, security personnel, and even Fur Rendezvous Royalty from the Iditarod Sled Dog Race that’s taking place through Alaska’s interior as the games began. The arrivals terminal bustled with a diverse blend of faces, voices, and the shared enthusiasm for the upcoming games. Volunteers dressed in vibrant 2024 Arctic Winter Games gear scurried about, coordinating and warmly welcoming the athletes. As I walked through the crowd of athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, and security the sounds of excitement, hunger, and anticipation of what was to come next hung over the terminal like an electric hum. Hungry athletes made a beeline for the well-stocked snack tables eyeing rows of tasty sandwiches, chips, juices, and popcorn, while coaches tirelessly tried to wrangle their athletes onto the next bus for the hour-long trip to their winter games home base. While most athletes were elbow-deep in delicious snacks, others were busy texting and calling home to tell family they’d indeed landed safe and sound. I got a chance to chat briefly with a few athletes from the Nunavut Volleyball Team who shared their excitement about the upcoming games, but all expressed that they were tired from the long trip and agreed they would be much more enthusiastic once they got to their athlete village. Justin Denis Douglas Hooey, a speed skater from the Nunavut Team, is excited and eager to see Alaska. Hooey shared “I am very excited, I almost missed the cutoff age-wise but I’m excited to be in Alaska.” As the convoy of buses stood ready to transport the contingents to their respective accommodations an hour away, the athletes boarded, the excitement reached a crescendo, echoing the promise of an unforgettable competition for the first time held in the Mat-Su Valley.

In an electric showdown that lit up the evening hockey game between the Yukon U15 and Northwest Territory teams, penalties and points were aplenty in a packed house with 12 penalties between the two squads. The stands were filled and this one was standing room only, with fans standing on benches, and packed like sardines around the outer glass. Yukon got off to a fast start with Colton Coates breaking through the defense to net an early goal with assists from Elliot Whalen and Thomas Nemeth in the first period. Huntley Asquith found the back of the net with a second goal at 10:33 in the first period to give the Yukon a comfortable cushion. Both teams played a tough game as they launched into the second period. With 13:08 left in the second Northwest Territory scored to inch closer to the 2-1 with a stellar goal from Brock Lanz and strong assists from Cormac Stewart and Jackson Fuller. Northwest Territory continued to push hard and evened the score at 2-2 with 3:37 left in the second with a goal from Jackson Fuller and assist from Cormac Stewart. As the third period began the chanting of the crowd and shaking of the bleachers came to a peak. Both teams skated hard but Yukon scored the go ahead goal with 14:34 of the third with a goal from Elliot Whaler and an assist from Rowan Newbury. With 6:45 Mannix Bingham scored to ensure the Yukon win 4-2.

The curling matches on Sunday started late with the last game ending at 9:30pm, families and dedicated fans remaining in the bleachers until the very end. Grandmother and dedicated Curling fan, Judy McLeod drove her family roughly 1400 miles (over 28 hours) to get to Palmer, Alaska from Inuvik, Northwest Territories–all to cheer on her granddaughter, Kimberly Wainmen, as she competed for a Golden Ulu with team NT. “We’ve always been involved in Arctic Winter Games, we’ve done a lot of traveling with the youth,” Judy told the Ulu News, pointing to her family members accompanying her in the stands. “My daughter played badminton for three AWGs, and my son played hockey three times as well.” Christine Mamer from Whitehorse also drove with her four younger children and her husband. They left Saturday morning and arrived Saturday night, pushing all the way through in one go. Despite a long haul and a hotel mixup upon arrival, the Mamer family says they’re comfortable. Mamer told the Ulu News that their trip was nearly canceled, as they only received their updated passports just a few days ago. Her son, Gabriel Mamer, is one of newest members on the team, only becoming an official curler in October of last year when he was approached by the curling coach to fill the fourth position on the Northern Territories team. Melissa and Melanie Richards from Team Alaska were well represented in the bleachers by their family from Fairbanks and Palmer. Uncle Frank Gonzalez said their parents, Mary and Brad Richards dropped the girls off at the team bus and then drove to Palmer yesterday from Fairbanks. Mary said the girls have competed for 9 years in curling, last year in Wood Buffalo AWG, and in the Junior Nationals in Denver (CO) in January where their team came in fourth. “This is the first chance we’ve had to come and support them and this is the last year they will be able to compete because they’ll both age out after this competition. We as parents are both so proud of not only our daughters, but also the other two teammates because they’ve all come so far.” Robert Nelson plays for the Alberta North U18m division, and his team had a BYE on Sunday. “We won gold last year, so we’re back to defend our title.” Alberta North Coach, Amanda Spark, said her daughter, Kaily has been playing for about four years, “not long” according to Spark. “My skip has been playing since she was 6 years old– she’s 16 now. I’ve been coaching her for 2 years. We flew out this morning and took a bus to Palmer from Anchorage, it was a beautiful bus ride. We got here in good time and a chance to check out Palmer. We found Bigfoot! He was kind of scary.” Nunavut Hockey Coach, Shauna Beaton, was in the stands to watch her son, Ciaran Robinson compete at the curling match. Because she is also a coach, she traveled with her team. She’s coached 3 AWG games, but Cieran just started curling in October. “Unfortunately, they didn’t have an ice surface to practice on, the ice rink was taken away in January for another event, so the curling team did manage to have a prep camp in February so they could get some practice prior to the Games. The 3rd and the skip are brand new to curling this year. We’re telling them this is a new experience and a new sport for them, they should see what they can put forth next year to keep growing as a team. Another parent, Leander Slykhuls (coaching curling since 2020) coaches his son’s curling team, Team Yukon. When strict covid rules changed the scout curling competitions, Leander decided it was time to do something about it. He suggested he could start his own team, and told that he was on his own, that's exactly what he did. Leander had never coached before, but he called his buddy Lee Malenchuk and they put together a team. His son Luke (a curler since he was 6) along with the skip and several others, formed a team and have been playing their hearts out ever since. For more information about curling in Palmer, go to palmercurling.com, or contact President Cynthia Rosenberg or Public Relations Officer Kalie Owen. Curling Vocab: BYE - When a player advances to the next round of play without competition. Skip - Captain of a Curling Team

The 2024 Arctic Winter Games holds a special place for Team Alaska as they bear the title of hometeam for this year’s event, hosted in the heart of Alaska’s most scenic Mat-Su Valley. Team Alaska’s roster is impressive, featuring 275 athletes competing in all 20 sporting events, backed by a dedicated group of 54 coaches and 16 mission staff members, including four participants in cultural arts. But it's not just the numbers that make them stand out. The coaches, many of whom are former athletes, make up the driving force behind Team Alaska. Their transition from competitors to mentors reflects a time-honored tradition of giving back to the next generation. Through their guidance, young athletes practice the intricacies of their sport, but also learn the values of leadership, empathy, and camaraderie. This mentorship is crucial in preparing these developing athletes for both competition and life beyond the games. Team Alaska operates largely through the efforts of volunteers. With just one paid staff member, the team exemplifies a community-driven approach to diverse sports development. This reliance on the community not only showcases Alaska’s driven and competitive spirit, but also helps the Games remain accessible to everyone in the state, including those indigenous youth athletes from furthest remote areas. This accessibility is vital in bringing diverse experiences to the games and in promoting a wider understanding and appreciation of Alaskan’s unique way of life. Sarah Frampton, a veteran board member of Team Alaska, now serving as Executive Director, emphasizes the importance of these games as a platform for young Alaskans to lead “parallel lives– excelling in sports while staying connected to their cultural heritage.” In an exclusive interview early last week, Frampton said that participating in the Arctic Winter Games is “wildly unique, filled with the excitement of international competition, cultural exchanges, and the formation of lasting friendships across language barriers.” The Games themselves are an electrifying experience, as described by participants and volunteers alike. From trading pins to learning new game rules, and making friends from around the circumpolar north, the 2024 Games are a genuine celebration of indigenous youth, friendly competition, and cultural diversity. For Alaskan athletes, this week’s events are an opportunity to compete on the international level, representing their home state and the array of diverse communities within it. The sense of community, the dedication of volunteers, and the passion of the athletes embody the spirit of Alaska. The Arctic Winter Games leaves a lasting impact on its participants. Beyond the thrill of competition, athletes look forward to the fun of making friends, experiencing travel and adventure, and they take pride in representing their state. Dubbed by some as the "AWG hangover," the post-games period leaves many sad and longing to return, missing the unique blend of competition and community spirit that defines this uniquely Northern event. Team Alaska's approach to the Arctic Winter Games highlights a broader mission to nurture well-rounded individuals who value their heritage and understand the importance of community. As athletes compete on this international stage, they do so not just for the shining Ulu medal and bragging rights, but also to showcase their home state’s unique spirit and the community-centered values that make Alaska the remarkable place so many of us call home.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, will travel to Matanuska-Susitna Valley, United States of America, from March 9 to 12, 2024, to attend the Arctic Winter Games. While in Alaska, the Governor General will cheer on athletes, participate in cultural activities, meet with Indigenous leaders, and promote the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples around the world. With approximately 2,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants, the Arctic Winter Games is one of the largest multi-sport cultural events in the region. From modern sports, traditional Arctic sports, and the Dene games to workshops, performances, visual art displays, and education programs – a variety of events highlighting the diverse cultures of the North will be on display. Quote “Her Excellency’s attendance at the Arctic Winter Games will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Indigenous cultures and promote inclusivity and reconciliation. I congratulate all athletes on their accomplishments, and I wish everyone the best of luck as they showcase their skills and talents.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada Quick Facts A biennial multi-sport and cultural event hosted by contingents in the Arctic region, the Arctic Winter Games promote cultural exchange and understanding among the diverse Indigenous populations of the Arctic. The 2024 Arctic Winter Games run from March 10 to 16. Learn more about the Games here. The first Arctic Winter Games took place in 1970 in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The Government of Canada supports Canadian athletes travelling to participate in the Arctic Winter Games. Canadian participants represent five regions – the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, and Nunavik. The Games also include athletes from Alaska, United States of America; Greenland, Denmark; and the Sápmi region spanning across Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The Governor General undertakes official international travel at the request of the Prime Minister and in support of the Government of Canada’s international foreign policy, diplomatic, and trade objectives.

The Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games proudly announces a generous donation of $30,000 from the Richard L. and Diane M. Block Foundation. This significant contribution is a testament to the Foundation's commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Alaska, focusing on youth leadership, cultural enrichment, and community upliftment. Celebrating its inaugural hosting of the Arctic Winter Games, the Mat-Su Borough is primed to welcome an international assembly of athletes and artists from across the Circumpolar North. The event is set to be a cultural extravaganza that brings together over 2,000 participants, 2,000 volunteers, and 4,000 visitors and media personnel from around the globe, creating infinite opportunities for cultural exchange​. The support from Richard L. and Diane M. Block Foundation aligns perfectly with our values of Resilience, Inclusivity, Strength, and Excellence (RISE) and helps us to unite and celebrate our community while connecting with our northern neighbors. For more details about the Arctic Winter Games and the impact of this donation, please visit awg2024.org or follow us on Instagram at @awg2024.

In a generous show of support for community and cultural engagement, Walmart has stepped forward with a donation of $25,000 to the Arctic Winter Games, bolstering the event’s mission to celebrate Northern culture and sportsmanship. Walmart is proud to be part of an event that resonates so deeply with the spirit of community and inclusivity, This  gesture in giving back to the communities they serve, and supporting the Arctic Winter Games is a testament to their commitment to Alaska and its vibrant cultures. Karen Lane, General Manager of the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “We are grateful to have partnership with Walmart. Not only did they donate to the Games, but are also encouraging their employees to volunteer.” The Arctic Winter Games stand as a symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural pride, attracting participants and spectators from around the Circumpolar North. With Walmart’s support, the 2024 Games are set to be an even more vibrant and inclusive celebration. For more information about the Arctic Winter Games and the upcoming event, please visit awg2024.org or follow us on Instagram at @awg2024

In a significant display of community support, Premier Alaska Tours, a renowned Alaskan tour operator, has announced a donation of $150,000 in services to the upcoming Arctic Winter Games. This substantial contribution will bolster the logistics of the event by providing essential shuttling services for participants. Premier Alaska Tours, with its roots deeply embedded in Alaskan soil since 1995, is not just a leader in the realm of tour operations and motorcoach charters but also a company with a heart for community involvement. Known for their dynamic tour packages and a team that embodies the adventurous Alaskan spirit, Premier Alaska Tours stands as a testament to local pride and commitment. The Arctic Winter Games, celebrates the spirit and talents of circumpolar athletes and indigenous cultures. Premier Alaska Tours’ donation comes at a critical time, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation for the participants, an aspect pivotal to the success of the event. As a local leader in the tourism industry, Premier Alaska Tours continues to set an example in community engagement and support. This contribution not only aids the Arctic Winter Games but also strengthens the bond between Alaskan businesses and cultural events, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. For more information about the Arctic Winter Games and the upcoming event, please visit awg2024.org or follow us on Instagram at @awg2024.

The Mat-su 2024 Arctic Winter Games is pleased to enter sponsorship agreements with the Frontiersman, UMV, North Slope Telecom Inc, and Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute as fundraising efforts continue. Each of these sponsors contributes goods and services or a monetary donation valued at $25,000. Community is the driving force behind events like the Arctic Winter Games, and the bolster of Mat-Su Valley Spirit found in the partnership of each new supporter is what will ultimately bring the games to fruition. North Slope Telecom will be providing the games with radio communication services during games week, as well as supplying and storing fencing for various sporting events. The fencing will become part of AWG legacy gifts to the community after the games. The UMV's sponsorship directly supports the purchase of accreditation badges and lanyards that participants, volunteers and special guests will use during the event. The Frontiersman is aiding the games in a variety of advertising, reporting, and promotional needs during and leading up to the games. Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute has contributed hundreds of pounds of seafood needed for the traditional feast that will be held during the games, in addition to a monetary donation to be used for the purchase of additional seafood needs for games participant meals throughout games week. Among other aspects of involvement, this level of sponsorship affords each of these sponsors the opportunity to present medals at the games. AWG is seeking additional sponsorships at any level. To inquire about partnering with AWG contact Cheryl Metiva, Sponsorship & Community Engagement Manager at cheryl.metiva@awg2024.org. Additional Information regarding sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.AWG2024.org