Makivik Magazine Issue 102

Nunavik Athletes
Do Us Proud
in Fairbanks, Alaska
This summary of Nunavik representation at the
2014 Arctic Winter Games is provided by Angela
A. Petru, KRG Communications Coordinator
For young Nunavimmiut, the Arctic Winter Games (AWG)
are a great experience in both sport and culture. The
Games are the world’s largest northern multi-sport and
cultural event for northern youth. It helps strengthen
sport development in the participants’ jurisdictions,
promotes the benefits of physical activity, builds partnerships,
and promotes northern culture and values.
The nine circumpolar regions at the Games are Alaska,
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta North, Nunavut,
Greenland, Yamal (Russia), Nunavik-Quebec and Sapmi
(Scandinavia). Special emphasis is given to circumpolar
sports, such as Arctic Sports and Dene Games and the
AWG is the only international forum that officially recognizes
these heritage sports.
A total of 61 athletes, five cultural performers, 14
coaches/officials and six mission staff members were
selected to be part of Team Nunavik-Quebec (TNQ). The
team competed in six disciplines: Arctic sports, badminton,
Dene games, snowshoeing, table tennis and, for the
first time, cross-country skiing.
The medals presented at the games are designed in
the form of gold, silver and bronze ulus. Many of the athletes
on TNQ had strong performances this year. Naomi
Sala from Kuujjuaq was outstanding all week winning
four ulus in Dene Games: silver in snow snake and allaround;
as well as bronze in stick pull and hand games.
She also received two Fair Play pins and finished third at
the “AWG’s Got Talent” contest.
Edua Jones, originally from Kuujjuaq and currently living
in Inukjuak, was the TNQ flag bearer because of his
multiple achievements at previous Games as an athlete
and his active involvement in several sporting events in
his home community. This year, he won a gold ulu in open
male finger pull and bronze in pole push along with his
Dene Games teammates.
Dylan Gordon, also from Kuujjuaq, won three ulus
for TNQ in his first-ever AWG. The ulus came in Arctic
Sports: gold in kneel jump and all-around, and silver in
arm pull. “My week in Fairbanks was awesome and I am
extremely proud of myself,” said the Arctic Sports athlete.
“There is not one thing I shouldn’t be proud of because
I’ve been training, practicing and asking for tips so that
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Jobie Tukkiapik was among the Nunavik leaders to extend his best wishes to
the team before they departed for Fairbanks.
I can perform at my best. I’ll continue doing Arctic Sports and I’ll also be looking forward
to competing in Dene Games in the near future.”
Their first-ever competition helped the cross-country ski team learn what it takes
to be an athlete on an international level. “I am extremely proud of the team. The girls
maintained their focus throughout the week of competitions and they enjoyed it, finishing
every race with a big smile on their face,” said Catherine Dumont, the team’s
coach. “Our cross-country skiers came back in Kuujjuaq with a lot more experience
and better technical skills, and I look forward to our work during the next two years.”
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Elder Lukasi Nappaaluk of Kangiqsujuaq followed the team to the
Games, supporting them all the way.
MAKIVIK mag a zine
77