Closing Ceremony & Hodgson Trophy

John Rodda, president of Arctic Winter Games International Committee, is sad the games are over. While reflecting on the week, after accepting the AWG flag from Tracey Bilsky, president of the host society—which is the official ritual to close the games—John told me he is so proud of the host society, athletes, volunteers, and officials. He said Whitehorse did a wonderful job making these very successful games happen. Tracey told me she was thankful, exhilarated, and like John, she’s proud. 

The event on the corner of Main Street and 3rd Avenue, which was part ceremony, part street party, had upwards of 3000 people dancing to upbeat tunes while trading gear, finding those last minute pins, and sharing memories made over the last week.

Coleman Martin, a curler for the Alaska men’s team, told me he was thrilled to trade his Alaska jacket for one from team Greenland, the only contingents’ jacket he would’ve traded for. 2026 are Coleman’s third games, he said meeting new friends from all over the North, creating community and expanding his abilities are AWG highlights for him. 

Two of Alberta North’s alpine skiers agreed that pin trading was their favourite part of the games, finding it a great way to connect with many people from all over. Julianna Ryan, also an alpine skier for Alberta North, said her favourite part of the 2026 games was the opening ceremony. The whole show impressed her, but the fighter jet fly-by was her absolute favourite part of her entire experience in Whitehorse.

One very important aspect of the closing ceremony is the awarding of the Hodgson Trophy to the contingent that demonstrates the best understanding of the philosophy of the Arctic Winter Games and most exemplifies the spirit of fair play during the Games week. Mission staff, chefs de mission's, assistant chefs de mission's, coaches, AWGIC directors, media, Host Society board members and senior staff vote during Games week to decide the winning contingent. 

This year made history with the first ever tie for the Hodgson Trophy, both Alberta North and Nunavut won! A remarkable ending to a remarkable 2026 Arctic Winter Games!

By Felix Olaney