Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games officially underway

WASILLA — The Menard Sports Center was filled with people from northern communities around the world in celebration of the opening ceremony for the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games Sunday, March 10.

"The Arctic Winter Games begins here today," Arctic Winter Games International Committee President John Rodda said. "Celebrate and embrace these moments."

The opening ceremony was an opportunity to introduce all the participating teams from Alaska, Nunavut, Nunavik, Northern Alberta, Yukon, Greenland and Sápmi. The National Anthem for each country was played over the sound system.

It was also an opportunity for guest speakers to address the meaning and significance of the Games. Speaker presentations were made in person and over video.

"The games are a testament to the spirit of the Arctic North," Alaska Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom said during a video made for the opening ceremony. "It's not just about sports… We find warmth in our shared experiences."

The opening ceremony featured a live performance by Ashley Young, a Tlingit musician based in Anchorage.

Wasilla's Portugal. The Man created the 2024 AWG theme "Runners in the Snow" and a music video featuring what type of events to expect was played during the ceremony.

There were also numerous traditional Alaska Native dances and songs performed during the ceremony.

Numerous local groups such as Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, Knik Tribal Council sent representatives to offer speaker presentations.

"We hope you all enjoy the games and come again," Native Village of Eklutna Vice President Shirley Craig said.

Knik Tribal Council representative Alfred Tellman said there's been a lot of efforts put into preparing for the 2024 Games. He wished all the athletes luck in their endeavors.

"You're all winners," Tellman said. "I ask you all to dream of a bigger, better, brighter tomorrow."

The Mat-Su Borough has funded a variety of projects of all shapes and sizes to prepare for the 2024 games such as paving a new parking lot at the Government Peak Recreation Area and helping local schools prepare to lodge participating athletes.

Outdoor events such as skiing and snowshoeing will take place at venues like the Skeetawk Ski Area and Kellogg Field School. Indoor events such as figure skating and gymnastics will take place at facilities like the Menard Sports Center and Denali Gymnastics.

"We are so excited to have you come to our beautiful part of Alaska," Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries said during a video presentation.

Canada's first Indigenous governor general Mary Simon was one of several speakers who offered a land acknowledgment for being gathered on the ancestral lands of the Dena'ina, Ahtna, and Dene who stewarded the area for thousands of years.

"I'm so proud to see many Indigenous communities represented here," Simon said.

Simon marveled at all the different athletes participating in the 2024 Games. She said the various participants from northern communities across the world have a lot in common.

"The determination and spirit you each bring from our northern communities is incredible," Simon said. "The Arctic Winter Games are so important for us. For more than 50 years, they have helped us show the entire world how accomplished, diverse, and united northern peoples are. They inspire collaboration between Arctic and non-Arctic nations, between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples; but beyond sport, they bring people together to celebrate cooperation and cultural exchange. They give us an opportunity to learn from one another, understand each other, and work together to address common challenges that face the Arctic region."

The Black-Capped chickadee was chosen as the "animal ambassador" for the 2024 Games. A local dance group adorned in handmade chickadee costumes will be present during various events throughout the week.

Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games Host Society Chair Amy Spargo discussed the significance of what the chickadee represented. She said they learned from Chickaloon members that whenever you encounter a chickadee along the trail, it means a "friend is thinking about you."

"This week, you will see chickadees everywhere. Our intention is that they remind all of us that this is a week for making friends," Spargo said. "The spirit of the games is a spirit of cooperation and support."

The opening ceremony closed with a torch lighting, symbolically starting the 2024 Games.

For more information, visit awg2024.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com