Team Nunavik-Québec 2016: Final Regional Trials Organized in Kuujjuaq

Press Release

Kuujjuaq, Québec, December 9, 2015 – From November 27 to 29, 108 athletes from all over Nunavik competed in the final regional trials organized for Team Nunavik–Québec (TNQ). The athletes were aiming for one of 61 spots for athletes who will travel to the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland, in March 2016. Over the two-year preparation cycle for these Arctic Winter Games, TNQ focus has been on positive values, behaviour and attitude, as well as leadership qualities and performance.

“The promising results of these trials and the enthusiasm of all the youth participants is really contributing to excitement for the upcoming Arctic Winter Games,” stated Nancianne Grey, TNQ Chef de Mission and Director of the Recreation Department of the Kativik Regional Government. “This event would not have been possible without the generous support of the Northern Village of Kuujjuaq, Air Inuit and so many committed volunteers in the community as well as coaches and chaperones.”

The regional trials were opened on Friday night at a special ceremony that included introductions of the participating athletes and mission staff. Competitions then took place over the following two days in six disciplines: Arctic Sports, Dene Games, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Badminton and Table Tennis. At the event’s closing ceremony on Sunday evening, competition officials were recognized for their diligent work.

These regional trials are the third and final round of competitions before the selection of the Team Nunavik–Québec 2016 final roster. The two-year TNQ development and selection process began in many communities late in the fall of 2014 with the hosting of successful local try-outs. Coastal trials were organized earlier this year in Quaqtaq and Inukjuak.

The Arctic Winter Games is a biennial, international sports competition for athletes from Nunavik, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, northern Alberta, Alaska, Greenland, Yamal (Russia) and Sapmi (Scandinavia). The next Arctic Winter Games will be held in Nuuk, Greenland, from March 6 to 11, 2016. Team Nunavik–Québec 2016 will comprise 61 athletes, 6 cultural performers, 13 coaches and 8 mission staff. All TNQ participants will require a valid passport to attend the Games. Québec sent athletes to the Arctic Winter Games in 1972, 1974, 1976 and 1986, and Team Nunavik–Québec has continued this participation since 2000.

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Information:

Jean-Philippe Dubois

Communications Officer

Kativik Regional Government

Tel. 819-964-2961, ext. 2219

jpdubois@krg.ca | media@krg.ca

www.krg.ca

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