FOR RELEASE
March 14, 2016

WHITEHORSE—More than 320 members of Team Yukon returned to Whitehorse over the weekend with a haul of ulus and several personal bests earned during the 2016 Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland.

“I am proud of the dedication and commitment demonstrated by Team Yukon during the games and would like to congratulate all the participants,” Minister of Community Services Currie Dixon said. “The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting Yukon athletes and fostering opportunities for sport and active living.”

Team Yukon earned 100 ulus in 14 events, including futsal, alpine skiing and snowshoeing. Meanwhile, the cultural contingent—composed of six young performing artists—wowed the crowds with original music and dance at the 2016 Gala Show.

Throughout the games, fair play pins were distributed to participants who best demonstrated sportsmanship, fair play and a positive attitude. Yukon recipients included 11 athletes and one coach: Alice Frost, Maggie Brook, Prism Saswirsky, Karyin Qui, Colin Hickman, Emily Gaw, Emily King, Peyton Twardochleb, Grace-Anne Janssen, Allen Mark, Kuduat Shorty, Sofia Bond and Tyler Milton.

The Government of Yukon provided more than $1 million to support Team Yukon’s attendance at the Arctic Winter Games.

“These games are an important opportunity for Yukon youth to see different places and meet people from across the North,” Team Yukon chef de mission Trevor Twardochleb said. “We are proud of Team Yukon’s performance this year and looking forward to our participation at the 2018 Arctic Winter Games in the Northwest Territories, co-hosted by Hay River and Fort Smith.”

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Contact:

Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
dan.macdonald@gov.yk.ca

Diana Dryburgh
Communications, Community Services
867-332-0886
diana.dryburgh@gov.yk.ca