Mat-Su Borough hosts AWGIC

The Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games Host Society hosted an Evening Social to welcome the Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) to the Borough and meet with volunteers and members of the public. The event was part of the AWGIC’s first in-person visit to the area.

“Normally, AWGIC would have come ahead of a bid, but COVID changed everything,” explained Casey Ressler, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games Host Society.

“We did the bid virtually for the first time ever, and it was done very well. We did a lot by Zoom, even going out to the ski lift (Skeetawk) using a camera as someone went about,” explained Gary Schauerte, Director of the Northwest Territories for the AWGIC

Indeed, COVID-19 impacted everything related to the Arctic Winter Games, from delaying competition for a few years to having the Games back to back.

“We have the 2023 Games in Wood Buffalo, then again in 2024 here in Alaska,” said Schauerte, who went on to explain that the Games are not an annual games, but rather held every 2 years.

“It’s been 5 years since the last Games were held, that’s had a dramatic impact on coaches, athletes, and development. Then it’s a quick short year from Wood Buffalo to here,” said Schauerte.

The 2020 Games were cancelled due to health concerns revolving around the pandemic, days before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a world-wide pandemic.

The Games bring together 2000 athletes from the circumpolar north for a week of sports and culture. Athletes from Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Greenland, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Northern Alberta and the Indigenous people (Sapmi) of Norway, Sweden and Finland will participate in 21 sports– from Heritage and Nordic, to Indoor and Ice Sports.

“It is athlete-centered, a true showcase event for the athletes and everyone taking part,” said John Rooda, President of the AWGIC.

“To see the enthusiasm and the excitement the Games generate, the passion the athletes have for competing and participating, it’s amazing,” Rooda added.

The Mat-Su Borough was awarded the location of the games in 2021 and formed the Host Society (Board of Directors) to incorporate as the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games Host Society.

“It’s a wonderful region of Alaska. Undoubtedly a beautiful spot to host the Games,” remarked Schauerte, who made his first-ever visit to Alaska, which was also a bucket list trip for him.

He was also impressed with how the community members and leaders are coming together for the planning and hosting of the 2024 Games.

Earlier in the day, the Host Society hosted a welcome luncheon for the AWGIC, with guests including Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries, along with a congressional delegation, and many others who will be involved in every aspect of the Games. The luncheon included an inspirational performances from Carry the Cure and the Alaska Native Dance Ministry

“They’re off to a really good start. 18 months out and there’s a lot to plan and a lot of work.”

What sets these Games apart from say the Winter Olympics, is not only the 6 originating countries, but the sports and cultural events surrounding the Games.

Some of the traditional winter sporting events include hockey, curling, and biathlon. But the Games will also feature events often associated with summer like gymnastics, volleyball, and archery. And of particular interest will be the Arctic Sports and Dene Games, rooted in traditional and cultural values, and consisting of several unique events that highlight an athlete’s endurance and athletic strength

“While the Arctic Winter Games features 21 different sports during the week-long event, they are so much more,” said Amy Spargo, Chair of the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games Host Society during her remarks at the AWGIC Evening Social, held at the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer.

“Elementary schools throughout the state will participate in educational programming rooted in culture and the mutual respect that healthy competition fosters,” she added.

Groups representing the Indigenous peoples of the 9 Arctic regions will be producing exhibits and also host a gala honoring the cultures and traditions of each region.

“At a time when our communities feel so divided, the Arctic Winter Games will bring people together through sport and culture. From our Tribal partners to government agencies to local businesses and non-profits, the Games is greeted with enthusiasm!” said Spargo.

While the games are 18 months away, planning is well underway, with the Host Society preparing to open official Game Headquarters in Palmer. And volunteers and sponsors

For more information about the Mat-Su Arctic Winter Games, please visit www.awg2024.org, or visit their Facebook Page.