Opening ceremonies for the 2024 edition of the Arctic Winter Games were on Sunday evening at Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley, north of Anchorage.
For the Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, volleyball players Keira Coakwell of Hay River and Sean Grandjambe of and Fort Smith shared Team NT flag-bearing duties.
There are seven teams in total. Joining NWT are Yukon, Nunavik, Greenland, Nunavut, Northern Alberta and Sápmi.
Approximately 350 NWT athletes, cultural participants, coaches, managers and support are in Alaska for the Games this week.
One of those is a teenaged futsal player from Yellowknife at her second Arctic Winter Games, who was interviewed by CKLB reporter Mariah Caruso at the Opening Ceremonies.
EVYNN: “My name is Evynn Crossman, I am 14 years old, and I’m from Yellowknife. NT.
“I feel very excited and it’s really a great pleasure (as) to do this twice is definitely something that not a lot of people can experience.
MARIAH: What do you think of Alaska so far?
EVYNN: “I think it’s so beautiful. Every time we go on a bus I always have my camera out taking pictures of the mountains. It’s so beautiful.
Team NT speed skating grabbing a sweet treat after practice. (Photo by Mariah Caruso/CKLB.)
MARIA: What’s your goal? Like for this week or your games?
EVYNN: “Probably to play my best and try and bring home gold again like last year, bring home. No pressure.
MARIA: “I wish you all the best. I have to ask any advice for other youth or better yet other young women to play sport?
EVYNN: “I think definitely don’t let what guys have to say get into your head about like being better and stuff like that. Just focus on yourself and just keep doing what you’re doing and don’t give up. Especially if you enjoy it.”
Two young speed skaters from Fort Simpson are 12-year-old Callie Thomas, and 13-year-old Peyton Bennet, at their first and second Games respectfully.
MARIA: “How do you feel being in Alaska?”
CALLIE: “I’m excited to skate, but I’m also kind of nervous because it’s my first time and there’s a lot of people here.
MARIA: “What would you say your biggest strength and your biggest weaknesses?”
CALLIE: “I’d say my strength is being able to finish the races without giving up. And my weakness is probably doing long distances.”
MARIA: “Peyton, it’s your second time around? How do you feel?”
PEYTON: “I’m nervous. But at least I know what it’s gonna be like. So, it makes me a little more like really amped!”
MARIA: “Amazing. Do you have any advice for other youth as to why they should participate in sport?”
PEYTON: “Don’t give up and work through it.”
Fort Simpson’s Shawna McLeod with Team NT earrings. (Photo by Mariah Caruso/CKLB.)
A couple of veterans of the Games are Brendan McAllister and Francesco Stefanos, returning members of the basketball squad.
The two Yellowknifers in the mid-teens have a passionate view of their chosen sport and also a wry sense of humour.
MARIAH: What is the sport mean to you?
BRENDAN: “Sport means everything to me, you know, (it was) my first ever love and basketball means a lot to me.”
FRANCESCO: “It has really opened my brain, you know, it finds peace in me. I really love playing the sport because like it just like, it means everything to me.”
MARIAH: “Why should more youth play sport? Why is engaging in a sport so important?”
BRENDAN: “I think it’s great positive thing to keep youth out of trouble. And it makes people just happy, you know, brings joy.”
FRANCESCO: “It’s a great way to find friendships. I really think it’s a great way to bond between other people, even against enemies and stuff. Like there’s just that love on the court.”
MARIA: “This is the second time around for both of you. What are we doing differently this year to prepare us for the big games?”
BRENDAN: “This year, we’re not gonna not take teams for granted. We’re gonna play more as a team, have no egos involved, and just be more prepared.
FRANCESCO: “We were playing like we weren’t winners last year. This time we’re playing with a mentality and a drive to get it and we’re gonna win it all this year, I think.”
MARIA: What did it take to get to this place?
BRENDAN: “It took hard work took dedication to commitment took time and energy. And now we’re here ready to compete.”
FRANCESCO: “Every day we woke up at 6:30 working hard and then we had an afternoon practice, then we had another one at 6 p.m.”
MARIA: “What are you hoping to leave here with? More friendships and memories?”
BRENDAN: “I’m hoping to leave here with a gold medal and a lot of memories.”
FRANCESCO (tongue-in-cheek): “Um, I’m hoping to go back with an Alaskan bride or a date. That’s my main goal.”
Winter Games events run for six days, concluding on Friday, with the exception of some futsal finals scheduled for Saturday ahead of that day’s closing ceremony.
Stay tuned to CKLB 101.9 FM for more Arctic Winter Games coverage, with reporter Mariah Caruso following Team NT throughout the competition.
We will feature extended 5pm newscasts for the rest of the week.
Maria’s also posting photos and videos to CKLB’s new community Facebook page, called The Voice of Denendeh.
– Compiled by James O’Connor
