FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arctic Winter Games Officially Begin Today in Whitehorse

Whitehorse, Yukon — March 8, 2026 — The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games are officially underway.

Teams have arrived, venues are ready, and today more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, cultural performers, and officials from across the circumpolar North gather in Whitehorse for a week of competition, culture, and connection.

Participants representing Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alaska, Northern Alberta, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Sápmi (cultural regions in Scandinavia), and Greenland (Team Kalaallit Nunaat) will compete and celebrate together in one of the North’s largest international sporting events.

A Northern Gathering Like No Other

For the next seven days, Whitehorse becomes a meeting place for Arctic sport and culture — where young athletes compete at an elite level, friendships are formed across borders, and northern pride is on full display.

“This is a powerful moment for our community,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 Host Society. “Today, we officially welcome the circumpolar North. Through sport, young people from across our northern regions come together to compete, connect, and celebrate the cultures and friendships that unite us.”

Hosted in Partnership with Yukon First Nations

The Games are being held on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, whose partnership has been foundational to the planning and delivery of the event.

Cultural programming, Indigenous sport, and community celebration will be woven throughout the week in recognition of the deep history and living cultures of this place.

Chief Sean Smith, Kwanlin Dün First Nation

“Exciting times in 2026 with the Arctic Winter Games being hosted by the name of Whitehorse area, the home of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwach’an Council, shared territories connected by family and history. Arctic Winter Games will bring communities across the north together to compete, challenge, share with others, build long-lasting relationships based on modern and traditional based sports and culture. To everyone, please enjoy your stay in our beautiful City of Whitehorse named Kwanlin in First Nation languages.”

Chief Ruth Massie, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

“Today we welcome athletes from all corners of the circumpolar North to the traditional territory of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. These Games are a celebration of our youth — their strength, their determination, and their future leadership. Hosting the Arctic Winter Games alongside our partners reflects the spirit of cooperation that defines the North. We are proud to share our culture, our history, and our home, and to see young people gathering here in friendship, competition, and respect.”

A Community Effort

Hosting the Arctic Winter Games is the result of collaboration across governments and community partners.

As the Host Municipality, the City of Whitehorse has played a central leadership role in welcoming participants and supporting Games operations. The partnership between Yukon First Nations, the City of Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon, and the Government of Canada reflects a collective investment in youth development, sport excellence, and northern cooperation.

Kirk Cameron, Mayor of Whitehorse

“The City of Whitehorse is thrilled to be hosting the 2026 Arctic Winter Games and welcoming athletes, coaches, participants, families, and friends from around the circumpolar North. This year marks the seventh time we have hosted the Arctic Winter Games, and we are proud to do so again. Each Games is an unforgettable celebration of northern sports and culture that brings our community together, provides unique development opportunities for our youth, and builds lasting friendships. City staff have been working hard to prepare for the Games and we’re ready to showcase our world-class recreation facilities and demonstrate our warm hospitality. Best of luck to all the athletes and let the Games begin!”

The Honourable Currie Dixon, Premier of Yukon

“The Arctic Winter Games create memories that last a lifetime and for many participants, it is a high point of their athletic career. The Government of Yukon is excited to welcome the circumpolar North and share our Yukon hospitality. We wish all athletes the very best of the competition and extend our thanks to everyone involved in making these Games happen.”

The Honourable Cory Bellmore, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for the Yukon Lottery Commission

“Mussi cho to the Host Society, City of Whitehorse, and Yukon First Nations for coming together to create an unforgettable Games experience for athletes, coaches, cultural performers and support staff. The Government of Yukon also thanks the incredible volunteers whose dedication makes these Games truly special. We are proud to support their efforts.”

The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)

“As the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games begin, the Government of Canada is proud to support this world-class celebration of sport and culture in the north. The Games showcase the talent, resilience, and determination of participants from across Canada and the circumpolar north, while highlighting the rich cultures, traditions, and leadership of northern communities. They’re also a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. Congratulations to everyone who has worked hard to make the Games possible. To the athletes, artists, and performers: Thank you and good luck! I hope that everyone has an unforgettable experience!”

A Proud History and Lasting Legacy

Since 1970, the Arctic Winter Games have brought together young athletes from across the circumpolar world, creating a unique platform for northern sport, cultural exchange, and friendship.

Each host community builds on that legacy — strengthening local sport systems, growing volunteer capacity, and inspiring the next generation of northern leaders.

John Rodda, President of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee

“The Arctic Winter Games were created to celebrate the distinct cultures, resilience, and athletic excellence of the North. For more than five decades, host communities have carried that vision forward. Today, Whitehorse continues that proud tradition.”

Experience the Games

All sport venues and the Kaleidoscope Marketplace are free to attend throughout the week.

Every sport and the cultural gala will be livestreamed and available to watch free of charge. Fans can download the Official Games App on the Apple App Store or Google Play for schedules, results, and broadcast access. Full event details and coverage are available at www.awg2026.org and across official social media channels @Whitehorse2026.

The Games officially open tonight at 7:30pm with the Opening Ceremony at Shipyards Park, launching a week that celebrates northern sport, culture, and community pride.

About the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games

The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games will take place from March 8–15, 2026, bringing together nearly 2,000 athletes and cultural participants, supported by 2,000 volunteers from across Yukon and beyond.

Participants represent eight contingents from the circumpolar North: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alaska, Northern Alberta, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Sápmi (cultural regions in Scandinavia), and Greenland (Team Kalaallit Nunaat).

The Arctic Winter Games celebrate sport, culture, and community — showcasing the talent and spirit of northern youth while strengthening international friendships across the Arctic.

Whitehorse has a proud history with the Games, having previously hosted in 1972, 1980, 1992, 2000, 2007, and 2012. The city was also selected to host the 2020 Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 edition marks Whitehorse’s seventh time welcoming the Arctic — reflecting deep community pride and a proven capacity to deliver world-class northern events.

Media Contact:
Paolo Gallina
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
867-332-1463

———————————————————

POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

Ouverture officielle des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique à Whitehorse

Whitehorse, Yukon, le 8 mars 2026 – Le coup d’envoi des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique 2026 est officiellement lancé.

Les délégations sont arrivées et les sites sont prêts. Aujourd’hui, plus de 2 000 athlètes, membres du personnel d’entraînement, artistes et officielles et officiels du Nord circumpolaire se retrouvent à Whitehorse pour une semaine de compétition placée sous le signe de la culture et des liens d’amitié.

Des participantes et participants représentant le Yukon, les Territoires du Nord-Ouest, le Nunavut, l’Alaska, le nord de l’Alberta, le Nunavik (nord du Québec), le Sápmi (les régions culturelles de Scandinavie) et le Groenland (Équipe Kalaallit Nunaat) prendront part à l’un des plus grands événements sportifs internationaux et célébreront ensemble leurs exploits.

Un rassemblement nordique unique

Au cours des sept prochains jours, Whitehorse deviendra un véritable carrefour des sports et de la culture arctiques, un lieu où de jeunes athlètes s’affrontent au plus haut niveau, où des amitiés se tissent au-delà des frontières et où la fierté nordique s’exprime pleinement.

« C’est un moment fort pour notre collectivité, déclare Tracey Bilsky, présidente de la société hôtesse des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique 2026 à Whitehorse. Aujourd’hui, nous accueillons officiellement le Nord circumpolaire. Grâce au sport, des jeunes de toutes les régions nordiques se rassemblent pour participer à des épreuves, tisser des liens et célébrer les cultures et les amitiés qui nous unissent. »

Une organisation en partenariat avec les Premières Nations du Yukon

Les Jeux se déroulent sur les territoires traditionnels de la Première Nation des Kwanlin Dün et du Conseil des Ta’an Kwäch’än, dont la collaboration essentielle a guidé la planification et rendu possible la tenue de l’événement.

Tout au long de la semaine, les activités culturelles, les sports autochtones et les célébrations communautaires mettront en valeur la riche histoire et les cultures vivantes de ce territoire.

Sean Smith, chef de la Première Nation des Kwanlin Dün
« L’année 2026 promet d’être passionnante, alors que les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique se dérouleront à Whitehorse, sur les territoires traditionnels de la Première Nation des Kwanlin Dün et du Conseil des Ta’an Kwäch’än, des terres unies par des liens familiaux et une histoire commune. Les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique rassembleront les collectivités du Nord qui participeront à des épreuves, se dépasseront, apprendront les uns des autres et forgeront des relations durables fondées sur la culture ainsi que sur les sports modernes et traditionnels. À toutes et à tous, profitez pleinement de votre séjour dans notre magnifique ville de Whitehorse, appelée Kwanlin dans les langues des Premières Nations. »

Ruth Massie, chef du Conseil des Ta’an Kwäch’än

« Aujourd’hui, nous accueillons des athlètes de toute la région circumpolaire sur le territoire traditionnel du Conseil des Ta’an Kwäch’än. Les Jeux rendent hommage à nos jeunes, à leur force, à leur détermination et au leadership qu’ils porteront demain. La co-organisation des Jeux avec nos partenaires illustre l’esprit de coopération qui caractérise le Nord. C’est une grande fierté pour notre peuple de partager notre culture, notre histoire et les terres où nous vivons, et d’accueillir ici des jeunes unis par l’amitié, la compétition et le respect. »

Un effort collectif

La réussite des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique est le fruit d’une collaboration entre les gouvernements et les partenaires communautaires.

En tant que municipalité hôtesse, la Ville de Whitehorse a joué un rôle de premier plan dans l’accueil des participantes et participants et le bon déroulement des Jeux. Le partenariat entre les Premières Nations du Yukon, la Ville de Whitehorse, le gouvernement du Yukon et le gouvernement du Canada témoigne d’un engagement collectif envers le développement de la jeunesse, l’excellence sportive et la coopération dans le Nord.

Kirk Cameron, maire de Whitehorse

« La Ville de Whitehorse est ravie d’organiser les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique 2026 et d’accueillir des athlètes, des membres du personnel d’entraînement, des participantes et participants, ainsi que des familles et des amis venus de tout le Nord circumpolaire. C’est une immense fierté pour notre collectivité d’être, pour la septième fois, la ville organisatrice des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique. Chaque édition des Jeux est une célébration inoubliable des sports et de la culture nordiques qui rassemble notre communauté, offre à nos jeunes des possibilités uniques de développement et forge des amitiés durables. Le personnel municipal s’est investi sans relâche dans la préparation des Jeux. Nous sommes prêts à faire rayonner nos installations récréatives de haut niveau et à accueillir chacune et chacune avec l’hospitalité authentique qui fait notre renommée. Bonne chance à tous les athlètes, et que les Jeux commencent! »

L’honorable Currie Dixon, premier ministre du Yukon

« Pour de nombreux participants et participantes, les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique demeurent des souvenirs impérissables et un moment marquant de leur carrière sportive. Le gouvernement du Yukon est ravi d’accueillir le Nord circumpolaire et de mettre en valeur l’hospitalité du territoire. Nous souhaitons bonne chance à l’ensemble des athlètes pour la compétition et remercions toutes les personnes qui ont participé, de près ou de loin, à la tenue des Jeux. »

L’honorable Cory Bellmore, ministre des Services aux collectivités et ministre responsable de la Commission des loteries du Yukon

« Mussi Cho à la société hôtesse, à la Ville de Whitehorse et aux Premières Nations du Yukon qui ont travaillé main dans la main pour offrir une expérience inoubliable aux athlètes, au personnel d’entraînement et de soutien, ainsi qu’aux artistes. Le gouvernement du Yukon remercie également les bénévoles exceptionnels dont l’engagement rend ces Jeux véritablement uniques. Nous sommes fiers d’appuyer le travail remarquable qu’ils accomplissent. »

L’honorable Adam van Koeverden, secrétaire d’État (Sports)

« En ce début des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique 2026 à Whitehorse, le gouvernement du Canada est fier d’appuyer cette célébration majeure du sport et de la culture nordiques. Les Jeux mettent en valeur le talent, la résilience et la détermination des participantes et participants de partout au Canada et du Nord circumpolaire, tout en soulignant la richesse culturelle, les traditions et le leadership des collectivités nordiques. Ils représentent également une occasion unique d’échanges culturels. Félicitations à celles et ceux qui ont travaillé fort pour organiser les Jeux. Aux athlètes et aux artistes, je vous dis merci et bonne chance. J’espère que tout le monde vivra un moment inoubliable! »

Une histoire empreinte de fierté et un héritage durable

Depuis 1970, les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique rassemblent des jeunes de tout le Nord circumpolaire autour d’un événement qui célèbre le sport nordique, favorise les échanges culturels et permet de forger des liens d’amitié durables.

Chaque collectivité d’accueil contribue à enrichir cet héritage en consolidant les infrastructures sportives locales, en mobilisant davantage de bénévoles et en inspirant la relève du Nord.

John Rodda, président du Comité international des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique

« Les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique ont vu le jour pour mettre en lumière les cultures, la résilience et l’excellence sportive du Nord. Depuis plus de cinq décennies, les collectivités hôtesses portent cette vision et la font vivre. Aujourd’hui, Whitehorse perpétue fièrement cette tradition. »

Pendant les Jeux

L’accès aux sites des épreuves sportives et au marché du kaléidoscope est gratuit toute la semaine.

Les épreuves et le gala culturel seront diffusés en direct en ligne et pourront être visionnés gratuitement. Il est possible de télécharger l’application officielle des Jeux sur l’App Store d’Apple ou Google Play pour connaître les horaires et les résultats ou accéder aux diffusions. Pour de plus amples renseignements sur les épreuves et leur couverture, consultez le awg2026.org/fr ou nos comptes officiels @Whitehorse2026 sur les médias sociaux.

La cérémonie d’ouverture qui a lieu ce soir à 19 h 30 au parc Shipyards lancera le coup d’envoi officiel des Jeux et marquera le début d’une semaine qui mettra à l’honneur le sport, la culture et la fierté nordiques.

À propos des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique 2026 de Whitehorse

Les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique 2026 de Whitehorse se dérouleront du 8 au 15 mars 2026 et rassembleront près de 2 000 athlètes et participants culturels, appuyés par 2 000 bénévoles de partout au Yukon et d’ailleurs.

Les participantes et participants représentent les huit délégations du Nord circumpolaire : le Yukon, les Territoires du Nord-Ouest, le Nunavut, l’Alaska, le nord de l’Alberta, le Nunavik (nord du Québec), le Sápmi (régions culturelles en Scandinavie) et le Groenland (Équipe Kalaallit Nunaat).

Les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique mettent à l’honneur le sport, la culture et l’esprit communautaire et mettent en valeur le talent et l’esprit des jeunes du Nord tout en renforçant les amitiés dans l’Arctique.

Whitehorse est fière d’avoir accueilli les Jeux en 1972, en 1980, en 1992, en 2000, en 2007 et en 2012. La ville avait également été sélectionnée pour organiser les Jeux en 2020, mais ils ont été annulés en raison de la pandémie de COVID-19. Cette nouvelle édition marque la septième fois que Whitehorse accueille l’Arctique, illustrant la fierté communautaire et l’expertise reconnue de la ville dans l’organisation d’événements nordiques d’envergure.

Relations avec les médias
Paolo Gallina
Société hôtesse des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique 2026 de Whitehorse
paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
867-332-1463

‍

50 Days Until the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games

Whitehorse, Yukon — In approaching 50 days remaining, excitement is building in Whitehorse as the community prepares to welcome the Arctic Winter Games on March 8, 2026.

The milestone marks a moment of celebration — and gratitude. The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is recognizing the collective effort behind the Games, from local businesses and community partners to sponsors, volunteers, and supporters across the Yukon who are helping bring the event to life.

“Reaching the 50-day mark is a moment to pause and recognize the incredible community effort behind these Games,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society. “From volunteers and partners to local businesses and supporters across the Yukon, this is truly a shared undertaking. We’re excited to welcome the circumpolar world to Whitehorse and to celebrate sport, culture, and connection together.”

As plans continue to come together, the Host Society wants to shared new details about ceremonies and what spectators can expect during the Games.

Participant-Forward Ceremonies Designed for the Community

The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games will officially begin with the Opening Ceremony on March 8, 2026, at Shipyards Park, taking place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The ceremony is designed to be participant-forward, bringing athletes, officials, partners, and the broader community together in a shared celebration of culture, sport, and connection.

The Games will conclude with a Closing Ceremony on March 14, 2026, starting at 3:00pm on Main Street. This street-party style celebration is intended to be welcoming and accessible, giving the community an opportunity to celebrate alongside athletes as the week of competition comes to a close.

Both ceremonies are designed to centre participants while inviting the community to take part, cheer, and celebrate together.

Spectator-Friendly Games Across Whitehorse

Spectators are encouraged to experience the Arctic Winter Games across 14 venues throughout Whitehorse, with competitions taking place throughout the week. A full overview of venues and the sport schedule will be released closer to the Games during the week of February 9.

There is no cost to attend Arctic Winter Games competitions, making it easy for residents and visitors to drop in, watch events, and support athletes.

Tickets will only be required for the Cultural Gala, taking place on March 12 and 13. More details will be shared ahead of the on-sale date of January 23.

Free Livestream and On-Demand Coverage

All Arctic Winter Games sports will be available through free livestream and on-demand coverage. Viewers can watch events via the Games’ official website at awg2026.org, allowing families, friends, and audiences across the circumpolar north and beyond to follow athletes and celebrate the Games from anywhere.

Looking Ahead to March

As the countdown continues, the Host Society will share additional information about competition schedules, cultural programming, and opportunities for the community to get involved.

About the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games

The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games will take place from March 8–15, 2026, bringing together nearly 2,000 athletes and cultural participants, supported by 2,000 volunteers from across the Yukon and beyond.

Participants will represent eight contingents from the Circumpolar North:
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alaska, Northern Alberta, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Sápmi (cultural regions in Scandinavia), and Greenland.

The Arctic Winter Games celebrate sport, culture, and community — showcasing the incredible talent and spirit of northern youth while strengthening international friendships across the Arctic.

Whitehorse has a proud history with the Games, having previously hosted in 1972, 1980, 1992, 2000, 2007, and 2012. It was also selected to host the 2020 Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 edition marks the city’s seventh time welcoming the Arctic to its doorstep — a reflection of Whitehorse’s deep community pride and its proven capacity to deliver world-class northern events.

‍

Media Contact:

Paolo Gallina
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
867-332-1463

‍

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025 

Arctic Winter Games 2026 and Northern Vision Development (NVD) Announce Partnership and 30-Day Giveaway 

Whitehorse, Yukon — The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is proud to announce a new partnership with Northern Vision Development (NVD), a prominent Yukon-based development and hospitality group. This collaboration will be highlighted through the launch of the 30-Day Giveaway Blitz, a large social media giveaway leading up to the Whitehorse 2026 Games in March. 

NVD has been a supporter of the Host Society since the early planning stages of the Games, generously providing office space for the AWG 2026 team. As the Games approach, NVD’s hotels will also play a key role in welcoming visitors, officials, and special guests travelling to Whitehorse in March.

“Northern Vision Development has been an exceptional partner from the very beginning. Their support has touched nearly every facet of our work—from providing office space to helping us prepare to welcome thousands of visitors in 2026. Strong corporate sponsors like NVD make it possible for our Host Society to deliver a world-class Arctic Winter Games, and we’re grateful for their continued commitment to our community and to the success of these Games.”

— Tracey Bilsky, President, Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society

30-Day Giveaway Blitz

In the 30 days leading up to the Arctic Winter Games, AWG 2026 and NVD will host a territory-wide Giveaway Blitz, featuring a new Yukon business and prize every day. The initiative is designed to build excitement for the Games while showcasing the strength, creativity, and community spirit of local businesses.

Each daily giveaway will launch at 8:00 AM, run until 8:00 PM, and conclude with a winner announcement at 8:30 PM. Both AWG 2026 and NVD will promote the featured business across their social media channels, driving engagement, visibility, and new audiences directly to local partners.

“Our company is incredibly proud to be a Arctic Legend sponsor for the Arctic Winter Games,” said Michael Hale, CEO of Northern Vision Development. “For more than two decades, NVD has been a proud member of the Yukon business community. We have always believed strongly in the role that the private sector can play in giving opportunities to youth and to supporting community events. The AWG is a fantastic example of doing just that – creating opportunities for youth while we build up our community – and we couldn’t imagine a better event to support.”

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to supporting northern communities, elevating local businesses, and celebrating Yukon pride as the countdown to Games week continues.

‍

About the Arctic Winter Games

The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth from the circumpolar North. Taking place in Whitehorse from March 8–15, 2026, the Games will welcome more than 2,000 participants from Northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Sápmi, and other circumpolar regions to compete in 20 sports and share their cultures and traditions.

For more information about the Games or partnership opportunities, please visit awg2026.org or follow @whitehorse2026 on social media.

‍Media Contact:Larissa WinsladeCoordinator, Marketing & Sponsorship ActivationWhitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Societylarissa.winslade@awg2026.org