Athletes are currently in Yellowknife, competing for a chance to participate in the upcoming 2025 Arctic Winter Games set to take place in Whitehorse this March. Territorial trials are ongoing, featuring a variety of sports such as Dene games, table tennis, curling, badminton, hockey, volleyball, cross country skiing, wrestling, futsal, basketball, and Arctic sports.
At the Chief Drygeese center on Thursday, athletes engaged in a Dene game known as stick pull. This game involves competitors trying to hold onto a stick coated with vegetable shortening, testing their grip strength. Tadeh Betsina from Dettah, who won first place, prepared for the event by focusing intensely and training with exercises like lat pulls, wrist curls, and farmer carries.
Sifera Kenny-Takazo from Deline, competing for the third time, expressed how the Arctic Winter Games offer a unique opportunity for travel, building friendships, and competing. She emphasized the importance of the event in bringing communities together and providing children in the North with enriching experiences beyond just sports.
Ty Lafferty, an instructor and official for Indigenous games, highlighted the joy and positivity surrounding the games, noting how he enjoys passing on his knowledge and experiences to the athletes. Inuvik’s Hayden Smith and Bristol Pidborochynski are both newcomers to the curling team, eager to participate and create lasting memories with their friends.
Inuvik’s curling coach, Nick Saturnino, commended the strong curling program in the city, emphasizing the value of providing youth with competitive opportunities and fostering their interest in the sport. Coaches like Curtis Gruben have been encouraging athletes from various communities to give their best efforts during the trials, recognizing the dedication and hard work required to secure a spot on the team.
The Arctic Winter Games hold a special significance for Brent Babiuk, who competed as a youth athlete and is now attending with his daughter, Avianna. The event allows participants to represent their territory and play hockey at a higher level, creating memorable experiences for both athletes and their families. Avianna aims to follow in her father’s footsteps and hopes to showcase her skills during the competition.