AWG 2026 Host Society Announces Major Funders at 1 Year To Go Event
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society celebrated the upcoming Games at a 1 Year to Go event held on Thursday, March 6th at the Canada Games Centre.
Representatives from the 2026 Host Society were joined by City of Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron, Minister Richard Mostyn, Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, and Chair of the Yukon Lottery Commission Sara Skelton to formally announce the support of local, territorial, and federal funding partners in hosting the Games.
The announced funding includes:
- $750,000 of in-kind and financial contribution from the City of Whitehorse, as host jurisdiction
- $4.4 million of in-kind and financial support from the Government of Yukon
- $2.6 million from the Government of Canada through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program.
- Funding towards sports equipment from the Yukon Lottery Commission.
“The Arctic Winter Games are an incredible opportunity for making a lasting impact on our community,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the 2026 Host Society. “The support of our major funders means that these Games can leave a legacy on sport, culture, and our community that extends beyond the field of competition.”
“We are thrilled to have the Arctic Winter Games take place in Whitehorse in 2026. This will be the seventh time we’ve hosted these international games, and we look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, supporters, performers and volunteers from across the circumpolar world to our community. Over the next 12 months the City of Whitehorse will be working closely with the Arctic Winter Games Host Society and other partners to get venues and facilities ready for the games. We encourage residents to get involved and volunteer in the coming months as we prepare to showcase our city.” Mayor Kirk Cameron - City of Whitehorse, Host City
“The Arctic Winter Games leave a lasting impact on host communities by driving tourism, boosting local businesses, and providing athletes with a unique platform to showcase their skills, engage in cultural exchange, and compete at a high level. The Government of Yukon recognizes that investing in sport and recreation enhances the lives of Yukoners. Our $4 million contribution, along with in-kind support, is more than just funding for the Games—it is an investment in developing future community leaders”. Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn – Government of Yukon
“The Arctic Winter Games showcase the best of the North: resilience, determination and a deep sense of community. As Whitehorse gets ready to welcome athletes and artists from across Northern Canada and beyond, I want to recognize the hard work and dedication that make these Games possible. From the competitors giving it their all to the volunteers and organizers behind the scenes, your efforts unite people and keep this incredible tradition alive. Our government is proud to support an event that celebrates the strength, culture and connections that define life in the North.” The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
"In just over a year, Whitehorse will host the transformative power of sport in action. More than 2,000 participants from across the Arctic will be competing in the 21 sports featured. Thank you to every single person who made this possible. The Arctic Winter Games celebrate Arctic sport, culture, talent, and I can't wait for the excitement to begin!” MP Brendan Hanley, Yukon
"The Yukon Lottery Commission is proud to support arts, sport, and recreation across the territory, and we are thrilled to contribute to the success of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games. Our support, including the contribution of sports equipment, will ensure that athletes have the resources they need to grow, develop, and showcase their talents on this incredible international stage. We look forward to seeing Yukon athletes compete, connect, and celebrate their achievements at the Games.” Yukon Lottery Commission - Chair, Sara Skelton
The Host Society is holding a number of events over the next week engaging the local community in the excitement of the Games, including a public 1 Year To Go event on Saturday, March 8th at the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse, featuring family-friendly activities, a free sponsored public swim and the opportunity to sign up as a volunteer.
The 2026 Games will take place in Whitehorse from March 8-15, 2026, and will welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, mission staff, cultural performers, and spectators to Whitehorse from across Northern Canada, Alaska, and Scandinavia.
Whitehorse was previously selected to host the 2020 Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
For more information, please contact:
Larissa Winslade
Coordinator - Marketing & Sponsorship
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
P: (867) 332-2535 | E: larissa.winslade@awg2026.org AWG2026.org
other Recent updates
Announcing the AWG 2026 50/50 Raffle!
Get ready to win big while supporting the Arctic Winter Games Whitehorse 2026! Our online 50/50 raffle gives you the chance to take home cash while helping us deliver an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture.
🎟 Tickets are only available online at Rafflebox. You must be 19+ and a Yukon resident (your credit card must match a Yukon postal code). Per our license, printed tickets will be mailed out after the raffle closes. You will receive an email ticket as proof of purchase immediately after your purchase.
Draw Date: May 25, 2025
Location: AWG 2026 Host Society Office
Time: Join us online for a live draw at 12:00pm
Funds raised will go towards creating op for Northern athletes and communities. Don't miss out - grab your tickets TODAY! #whatwearemadeof
Yukon Gaming License #2025-038
Whitehorse 2026 AWG Business Mixer Generates Strong Sponsorship Support
With one year to go until the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games, over 30 businesses and organizations have stepped up to pledge their support at tonight’s Business Community Mixer at Coast Mountain Sports. This milestone event marks a significant moment in the lead-up to the Games, reinforcing the momentum and excitement surrounding this international celebration of Arctic sport and culture.
"The Arctic Winter Games are about more than just competition—they’re about capacity building and celebration for athletes, coaches, cultural contingents and volunteers across the North," said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 AWG Host Society. "The Games provide an opportunity for young athletes to compete at a high level while also learning valuable life skills and sharing important cultural traditions. Volunteers, officials and cultural performers gain experience that strengthens sport development in their communities. The strong business support we’re seeing today helps ensure that these Games create a lasting legacy."
Tonight’s event showcased the growing corporate support behind the Games, with businesses committing financial sponsorships and value-in-kind contributions to help bring the Games to life. Amanda Deuling, Co-Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, highlighted the success of the sponsorship campaign:
"The momentum behind the Arctic Winter Games continues to build. With significant cash and in-kind contributions pledged or confirmed, we’re in a strong position to meet our sponsorship targets. This allows us to grow our focus in working with sponsors on meaningful activation that will enhance the athlete, participant, volunteer, and spectator experience."
As one of the Arctic Winter Games' longest-standing supporters, Northwestel has played a crucial role in connecting northern communities through sport, culture, and technology. Their ongoing commitment to the Games ensures athletes, volunteers, and spectators have access to essential telecommunications services, helping to create an inclusive and well-connected experience.
“Northwestel is honoured to continue our tradition of being a Legacy Sponsor of the Arctic Winter Games in our partnership with the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games host society at the highest sponsorship level—Arctic Champion. Over our 55-year partnership with the Games, we have deeply valued the moments when our northern communities across all territories and beyond unite to celebrate the vibrant cultures that define our regions. We are thrilled to welcome all the Games’ participants and spectators to Whitehorse in 2026, where we will celebrate athletic excellence and our shared Northern spirit,” said Northwestel President Curtis Shaw.
The following sponsors have pledged their support for the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games:
Arctic Champions
- Northwestel
- Northern Vision Development
Arctic Heroes
- Yukon Energy
- Yukon Development Corporation
- Dakwakada Capital Investments
- Northerm
- Castle Rock Enterprises
Arctic Supporters
- Connected North
Official Suppliers
- Karbon Clothing
- Air North – Yukon’s Airline
- Mammoth Marketing & Design Agency
- CKRW – The Rush
- Yukon News
- Yukon Brewing
- Taku Sport Group & Coast Mountain Sports
- Domino’s Pizza
- Kimik IT
BSC Golf Classic – Hole Sponsors
- Arcrite/Dairy Queen
- Ketza Construction
- Lamarche Lang
- Duncans Ltd
- Arctic Backhoe
- Budget Plumbing and Heating
- SDC
- Kobayashi and Zedda
- HVACTech Systems
- Terence Tait Realty
- BSC/Dune Engineering
- Greenwood Engineering
- Ice Fog Analytics
- Floors at Capital Builder Flooring
Games Contributors
- Pepsi and Northland Beverages
- Arctic Star Printing, Inkspirationz & Green Screen Printing
As sponsorship momentum continues to grow, the Host Society will enhance efforts toward community engagement, and finalizing operational plans.
For more information on how to support the Games or get involved, visit AWG2026.org.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paolo Gallina
Manager – Marketing & Sponsorship
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
P: (867) 332-1463
E: paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
AWG2026.org
Michael Jay Joins the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games as Official Ambassador
After much anticipation and a series of mysterious sightings across town, the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is excited to officially introduce Michael Jay – the Roving Reporter – as the ambassador for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games!
Michael Jay’s arrival was highly anticipated, with social media buzzing over blurry photos and hints of a special visitor leading up to his official debut. On March 8th, exactly one year from the start of the Games, Michael Jay was formally introduced through a fun video where he hung out at a local outdoor ice rink with sports reporter George Maratos, eager to learn all about the Games and the excitement building in the community.
What’s Next for Michael Jay?
As the Roving Reporter of the Arctic Winter Games, Michael Jay will be on assignment—meeting athletes, volunteers, and community members, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and helping to bring the spirit of the Games to life. He will interview key figures, and provide an engaging way for fans of all ages to learn about AWG 2026.
Michael Jay is a character from Northern Tails TV, an innovative Yukon-based children’s television series that fosters curiosity and learning through traditional storytelling and puppetry. The show, developed by Shot in the Dark Productions and creator Kelly Milner, uses hand-crafted puppetry and real-world exploration to introduce children to northern stories, cultures, and ways of life. The partnership with Whitehorse 2026 AWG provides a unique opportunity to merge education, entertainment, and sport, all while staying true to the spirit of the Games.
“We are elated to have Michael Jay as the official ambassador for the Arctic Winter Games,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 AWG Host Society. “Michael Jay brings a sense of fun and adventure that aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Games. A huge thank you to Kelly Milner and the talented team at Shot in the Dark Productions for bringing this to life—we can’t wait to see all the places Michael Jay will go!”
For Kelly Milner, this partnership is about more than just promoting the Games—it’s about creating a meaningful learning experience through storytelling.
“Michael Jay and Northern Tails TV provide a way for children and families to explore the North in a fun, creative way,” said Milner. “In a world where artificial intelligence is becoming more common in entertainment, this project reminds us of the magic of traditional storytelling, hands-on puppetry, and character-driven learning. It’s about celebrating real stories, real places, and real experiences—something that makes this collaboration with AWG so exciting.”
Meet Michael Jay!
"Hello friends! I’m Michael Jay, your ambassador for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games. While my natural home is the northern woods, I like to drop in on the hustle and bustle of urban life to learn what people do for fun during our long, beautiful winters. And the Games are a great place to see it all in action! I’ll be on location to bring you the scoop from athletes, spectators, and all the welcoming folks in Whitehorse, the host city of the 2026 Games.
Don’t worry! I won’t pinch your pins. I’m more of a boots and gloves (and probably skates) kind of character. Let’s hang out and learn about the Games and what makes the North a special place together!”
Stay tuned for more updates from Michael Jay as he explores the road to AWG 2026!
About the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) will take place from March 8-15, 2026, in Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. The Games will bring together over 2,000 athletes, coaches, and cultural performers from across the circumpolar North, celebrating both sporting excellence and northern cultural traditions.
Founded in 1969, the Arctic Winter Games provide young northern athletes with a high-level competition platform, while also showcasing Arctic culture, heritage, and community spirit. Participating regions include Yukon, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, Nunavik, Northwest Territories, Alaska, Greenland, and Sápmi (Northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway). In addition to competitive sports, the Games feature traditional Arctic events, such as the One-Foot High Kick and Knuckle Hop, alongside a vibrant cultural program highlighting artists and performers from across the North.
This will mark the seventh time Whitehorse has hosted the Arctic Winter Games, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in northern sport and cultural celebration.
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games are made possible through the generous support of our funding partners: the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon, the City of Whitehorse, and Lotteries Yukon.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paolo Gallina
Manager – Marketing & Sponsorship
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
P: (867) 332-1463
E: paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
AWG2026.org