Makivik Magazine Issue 90

myloh villaronga x2
Summer Games
Drama
By Myloh Villaronga
People came from all over Nunavik for the 14 th
biannual Eastern Arctic Summer Games in mid-
July 2009. For 12 days Kangiqsualujjuaq hosted
games, festivities and friendly but sometimes
fierce competition.
What began as a concept 25 years ago has
grown into an event that is anticipated well in
advance by those who attend and compete.
The games, intended to help improve the social
situation for the Inuit of Nunavik, are in many
ways still in their infancy. A spectator cannot
help but see the great potential that the games
hold for the future.
The integrity of the games has been
upheld and commercial undertones that would
define a similar venue in the South do not exist,
allowing the games to evolve in other ways that
are good for its participants. According to the
2009 director, Charlie Munick, who took part
in the earlier years and still competes today,
progress is marked by better equipment, better
refereeing, and better understanding of the
rules by the players.
There was no shortage of drama for the
spectators who packed the local community
centre or for those who listened on the radio
to hear Nunivak’s most talented athletes compete.
During the quest for gold the energy and
excitement in the gym reached fever pitch. The
fans couldn’t stand in the building without
feeling the rush of adrenaline, which intensified
with each passing round of the sport
of the day.
Word quickly circulated through the community
that Kangiqsualujjuaq had won the semi
final match in volleyball and the championship
match would soon begin. By midway through
the first game, the walls of the building were
lined thick with spectators and the seating area
on the balcony was standing room only. This of
course was a hometown crowd there to cheer
MAKIVIK mag a zine
91