The greatest games north of the 55th parallel
Press Release
Mar 08, 2024
Alberta’s top athletes north of the 55th parallel will head to Mat-Su, Alaska, to compete head-to-head against teams from six countries and the Canadian Territories. Athletes aged 11 to 18 from 28 northern communities of the province qualified for the Games through selection camps.
To support the next generation of athletes in the province, Alberta’s government is providing Team Alberta North with $1 million for transportation, staffing and operations. Prior to the Games, the government provided $100,000 in grants to provincial sport organizations for athlete training and selection.
“Team Alberta North has the talent, focus and determination to succeed at the Arctic Winter Games. I am proud that Alberta’s government is supporting the athletes in showcasing their athletic excellence and fostering cultural relationships. I wish them the best of luck as they represent Alberta in these Games.”
Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport
“Having hosted the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo, northern Alberta’s top junior athletes are heading into the competition with the momentum of the home-field advantage still instilled within them. Team Alberta North is in the best position they’ve ever been in to continue showing the northern world that they are a force to be reckoned with in sport. All the athletes can be confident that the unwavering support of northern Alberta is behind them.”
Tany Yao, MLA for Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo
Team Alberta North is going into the Games having finished third in the medal rankings with 144 podium finishes during the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo. As part of the Games, the team will also participate in cultural activities over the six-day competition.
Athletes will compete against teams from Alaska, Greenland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Northwest Territories, Nunavik, Nunavut, Sapmi and the Yukon across 17 sports. Events include badminton, ski biathlon, cross-country skiing, curling, snowshoeing and hockey. The Arctic sports and Dene Games events include traditional Inuit and Dene games such as High Kick, Kneel Jump, Sledge Jump, Triple Jump, Airplane, One Hand Reach, Head Pull and Knuckle Hop.
“It’s a great opportunity and honour to be chosen as the flag bearer for Team Alberta North and also to be a returning athlete with a gold Ulu. I am beyond excited to be able to represent our province and my sport at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su Alaska. I’m thankful for the support of my family and friends, and I’m thrilled for the games to start.”
Théa Thompson, women’s hockey and Team Alberta North’s flag bearer for Opening Ceremonies
Athletes at the Arctic Winter Games are awarded gold, silver and bronze Ulu medals for winning first, second and third place in events. The Ulu medals are inspired by the all-purpose knife traditionally used by Inuit women. The Games are a testament to the power of sport through developing rural communities and allowing athletes to compete in friendly competition while sharing cultural values from northern regions around the world.
Quick facts
- Established in 1970, the Arctic Winter Games were founded to foster competitive opportunities for northern athletes. Alberta has participated in the Games since 1986. The Games are held every two years and continue under the mission of athletic competition, cultural exhibition and social interchange.
- Alberta has been a permanent member of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee since 1988. The Games have become a key sport development opportunity for athletes and coaches in northern Alberta.
- The Alberta communities north of the 55th parallel are comprised of 145 communities and 26 First Nations and Metis Settlements ranging from Grande Prairie, High Level, Fort Vermillion and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo areas.
Related information
Multimedia
- Minister Schow’s message to Team Alberta North athletes in Fort McMurray
- Minister Schow’s message to Team Alberta North athletes in Grande Prairie
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