Coaches, close family and dear friends are some of the psychological supports athletes at the Arctic Winter Games at Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley say they are behind their drive and desire to compete.
Just ask Deandra Bennet, of Aklavik:
“I would like to say thank you to my Auntie for always being there for the trials and I would just like to say, ‘thank you’ because she was been there when I needed a hug.
“My friend helped me. He used to live in Tuk, but he lives in Inuvik now, his name is Chase. He was the one that taught me first and then my uncle Desmond helped me and showed me all the tricks. I’m just pretty much on my own now.”
Deandra was interviewed by CKLB reporter Mariah Caruso, who is at the site of the Games and basically embedded with Team NT.
More from Deandra later, but first another example of how appreciative and critical it is for athletes to have dedicated support from coaches and parents or caregivers.
James Williams is an Inuvialuit coach/athlete based in Yellowknife
“I had the opportunity to be able to do this representing the NWT and especially Inuvik, where I learned the games. I cherish that and I have a young family now. I have three children and my wife at home my beautiful wife. I wouldn’t be able to be here without them. Like, she’s my anchor. She’s taking care of our home while I’m away. I can’t thank her enough.
“And my, my parents. My parents always pushed me to do as best as I could. Tom and Pam Williams, really pushed me and my sister … to be the best people that we can be and just try to pass it along to other people.”
Arctic sports highlight the ingenuity, endurance and fortitude of Indigenous sportsmanship and are an important part of the Inuit way of life.
Some events include the One-Foot High Kick, Two-Foot High Kick, Alaskan High Kick, Kneel Jump, Sledge Jump, Triple Jump, Arm Pull, Airplane, One Hand Reach, Head Pull and Knuckle Hop.
Canadian Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and some members of Team NT. (Photo by Mariah Caruso/CKLB.)
In all categories, the excitement is palpable and Team NT is determined to beat their personal bests and most importantly, help others along the way.
“My name’s Deandra Benwell. I’m from a Aklavik. And I’m 15.”
MARIA: “So is this your first Arctic winter games … Why do you play the sport?”
DEANDRA: “It brings me joy, where I could just be with my friends again and travel around the world.”
Approximately 350 NWT athletes, cultural participants, coaches, managers and support are in Alaska for the Games this week.
Team NT added at least three more silver and four more bronze ulus on Wednesday, bringing its total to 39. That places the team in 4th place, behind Alberta North, Yukon and Alaska.
The U18 male hockey team earned a place in tonight’s final against Alaska by defeating Yukon 2-0. Third-period goals from Bradley Bartlett and Hayden Murray were the difference.
Team Wainman picked up silver in female curling, suffering a game-changing fourth end that handed five to Alberta North. The teams shook hands after six.
In Dene Games, Wednesday was hand games day. The junior boys were the most successful Team NT participants, reaching their final before being defeated by Kalaallit Nunaat (formerly Greenland).
Bronze ulus were also won by the 1,500m snowshoe mixed relay team, figure skater Miah Harris and male curlers Team Wainman.
In hockey, aside from the U18 team’s exploits, the female team lost 3-1 to Alaska but beat Nunavut 4-0 to earn a semi-final place against Alaska on Thursday morning.
The U15 male team beat Nunavut 7-2 and plays Alberta North at lunch on Thursday for a place in the final.
Stay tuned to CKLB 101.9 FM for more Arctic Winter Games coverage, with reporter Mariah Caruso following Team NT throughout the competition.
Maria’s also posting photos and videos to CKLB’s new community Facebook page, called The Voice of Denendeh.
Team NT hand games competitors in the Arctic Winter Games. (Photo courtesy AWG.)
