Labrador Winter Games celebrate 'completely different' culture, says organizer

The Labrador Winter Games begin Sunday a triennial event showcasing and celebrating Labrador's unique cultural diversity.

"Those of us who have been here for hundreds, in some cases thousands of years, have developed a culture that is completely different from anything else in the province," said Joe Goudie, the chair of the games' board of governors.

"Not necessarily different values, but a different way of doing things, a different way of surviving, and the willingness to go on as long as it takes to succeed. And that in a nutshell is what I think makes us different."

Goudie was a provincial cabinet minister when the games began in 1983, and heplayed a key role in making them a reality.

He said the games are a great way to expose young people to parts of Labrador's heritage they might otherwise not experience.

Traditional and modern events

Hundreds of athletes and volunteers take part in the games, which are held every three years in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Communities put together teams of athletes to compete in a series of events, including traditional Inuit games, snowshoeing, target shooting, and the Labrathon, an event that tests a competitor's ability to live off the land.

"It's a reflection of our culture, a reflection of friendly but intense community competition ... and most enjoyable to come and see," saidGoudie.

"There are lot of other pressing things to think about I suppose, and this year it's deficits and everything else. But we are a different people up here in Labrador."

Goudie said he can't believe that the games have lasted as long as they have. He compared them to Them Days magazine, a Labrador publication that was supposed to have only one edition but ended up printing for more than 40 years.

"[The first games] was so well-organized, so well-presented, and such great competition, I thought, 'good lord we can't let it go just once we have to keep on going,'" he said.

"I'm just so extremely pleased that it has gone that way and hopefully with any luck we'll continue."

The games run from March 13 to 19.