The 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River will now pass the baton to next year’s gathering.
At a high-energy closing ceremony on Friday afternoon, dozens of medallists were called up to the podium in the common area at Diamond Jenness Secondary School to the cheers of families, organizers and students.
One of those medal recipients was Kate Lafferty Mantla, of Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Behchokǫ̀, who said she practices three times a week — but not in winter.
“I really like it a lot,” she said, with her three red ribbons fluttering in the breeze.
She won her 200-metre race, ball throw and long jump.
Kate Lafferty Mantla, of Behchoko, on the podium Friday afternoon at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Her father, Dave Lafferty, said the Hay River event is getting better each year.
“Everyone gets to meet new friends, new people — it’s a good atmosphere,” he said. “So that’s a good thing about it.”
In all, 1,039 athletes attended this year’s championships — up slightly from last year — representing teams from 12 different communities.
Organizers said they were pleased with the way the championships played out, as it’s never easy scheduling over 1,000 athletes to competed in a host of events, including either running, throwing and jumping.
This not to mention playing host to parents, chaperones, media and onlookers.
More than eight records ended up being broken — five in categories for female athletes — including: masters women’s 5,000 metres; girls’ 13U high jump; girls’ 13U triple jump; girls’ 13U long jump; and girls’ 11U shot-put.
Co-organizer Tim Borchuk at the podium during closing ceremonies at Diamond Jenness School of the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
And while wildfire smoke threatened at times, weather conditions were overall perfect for outdoor athletics. A strong breeze each day kept the biting bugs at bay.
Co-organizer Tim Borchuk thanked all the volunteers and sponsors who helped make this year’s championships a success.
“We have volunteers from all the schools in town, volunteers from businesses who are lending us their employees for the day … and I want to send out a huge thank you to them,” said Borchuk, who also pointed to a long list of sponsors who are crucial to the running of the championships.
Kowen Modeste of PW Kaeser School in Fort Smith looks over to see Karter Carson of St. Patrick’s High School in Yellowknife edge him out at the competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Kowen Modeste of PW Kaeser School in Fort Smith shakes hands with Karter Carson of St. Patrick’s High School in Yellowknife after a race at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Cole Sapp, from Deh Gah Elementary School in Fort Providence, competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Results are checked at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Khloe Tinqui, centre, from Elizabeth Mackenzie School in Behchoko, competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Tobi Taylor of St. Patrick’s High School competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Caroline Wawzonek, a parent from Yellowknife, on the sidelines at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. Wawzonek is also the NWT’s Deputy Premier and Finance Minister. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Brazil Simpson, of Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Behchokǫ̀, competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Hawk Doherty of N.J. Macpherson School in Yellowknife, competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
A group of boys on the infield between events at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Madisyn Pokiak, of Joseph B. Tyrrell Elementary School in Fort Smith, competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
A trio of girls watches the action on Friday at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
A proud dad, Dave Lafferty, watches his daughter on the podium Friday afternoon at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Caelan Donahue, of Weledeh Catholic School inn Yellowknife,, competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Astrid Turko-Bathe of Joseph B. Tyrrell Elementary School in Fort Smith competes at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Hay River South MLA Vince McKay volunteers to cook burgers at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
Some of the medals at the 2025 NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River. (James O’Connor/CKLB)
