2024 Arctic Winter Games end with song, dance and celebration

Athletes, coaches and volunteers said goodbye to this year's Arctic Winter Games at Saturday afternoon's closing ceremony.

It was a busy week for athletes and attendees in Mat-Su Valley, Alaska, as youth from across the circumpolar North competed in a packed schedule of mainstream winter sports like hockey and cross-country skiing, along with traditional Dene and Arctic games.

Host team Alaska led the fieldin medals this year, picking up a total of 221 ulus. Yukon was In second place, followed by Alberta North.

Team Yukon also had the distinction of winning the Hodgson Trophy, which is awarded every Arctic Winter Games to the team whose athletes best exemplify the ideals of fair play, Northern co-operationand team spirit.

In the lead-up tothe closing ceremony, attendees took advantage of the time remaining to buy some AWG merchandise or get in some last-minute pin trading.

Delegates joked around and enjoyed the time with their teammates as they got ready to enterthe arena at the Curtis D. MenardMemorial Sports Center,in Wasilla, Alaska.

Team Northwest Territories chose first-time AWG attendee Corbin Alonak, 14, as itsflag-bearer for the closing ceremony. The young wrestler from Ulukhaktok, N.W.T., said his favourite part of the Games was meeting new people and making friends.

He said he definitely wants to attend the next Arctic Winter Games, in Whitehorse in 2026.

The closing ceremonystarted with some music and drumming as delegates filtered in.

During the event, athletes and coaches mingled on the floor of the stadium as officials from hostjurisdictionAlaska gave speeches.

The night ended with a look forward to the next Arctic Winter Games in two years. The mayor of Whitehorse, Laura Cabott, gave a speech, saying the 2026 host city isalready planning the next Gamesand inviting everybody to attend.