Arctic Winter Games

I'm sure most of you have never heard of the Arctic Winter Games. I hadn't before last summer. It's an Olympic type event for those in the Circumpolar North. In the beginning it was open to athletes young and old. In the recent Games, they've narrowed the playing field by limiting it to youth. 

The Games are held every two years. Fairbanks hosted this year's Games; we haven't had them in Fairbanks since 1988! It was pretty special to be a part of such a big event. It was a tiring week. I think I worked about 57 hours (two jobs) and volunteered about 30. Sleep? yeah that was something I only dreamed of.

There were nine different regions represented for the Games. Alaska, five Canadians - NWT, Yukon, Alberta North, Nunavut and Quebec Nunavik, Yamal -province in north Russia, Greenland and Sapmi (pronouned Sami) - northern regions of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia. Twenty sporting events ranging from outdoor winter sports like snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, biathlon and dogsledding and indoor sports of basketball, volleyball, soccer, pingpong, hockey, wrestling, gymnastics and of course Arctic sports. 

It was a lot of fun being involved and great to meet youth and adults from all across the north. The next Games will be held in Greenland.... maybe it's time to plan a trip to see the Shulls and be there for the Games as well in 2016. :) What do you think, Carole? 

I don't have many pictures from the Games, but there's plenty here.

before the Games began

the kids loved the Trooper

my friend the Trooper

Air Greenland

and it's over!