“Thank You, Mat-Su!” Arctic Winter Games 2024 wraps up with Closing Ceremony

The 2024 Arctic Winter Games have come to a close, with the baton, or in this case the AWG flag, being handed off to Whitehorse, Canada, who will host the 2026 AWG, during the Closing Ceremony held on Saturday.

“This week was a success because of so much generosity from so many people giving time, enthusiasm, and love. Thank you so much,” said Phillip Blanchett, Master of Ceremonies, as he kicked off events.

“To the athletes, I want to congratulate you, not just for winning some medals, but for participating from the beginning,” remarked Governor Mike Dunleavy before thanking the sponsors, chaperones, and the Mat-Su Borough for hosting the Games and working with the other countries that participated. He expressed hope that everyone who participated would take home memories and lifelong friendships from these Games.

“One thing that ties us all together is that we live in the North, we love the North, recreate in the North, and we play in the North. We were so excited to have the Games here, so excited to have you all here, and we hope you all take home some great memories,” Governor Dunleavy said.

“We were never meant to live this life alone; we were meant to live in a community. And this week, I am so proud of our community, of how everybody showed up,” said Amy Spargo, Chair of the AWG Board of Directors.

John Rodda, President of the AWG International Committee, was on hand to present the Hodgson Trophy, a 7-foot tall hand carved Narwhal tusk atop a base of soapstone that is permanently encased in Whitehorse, which is presented to the team the best exemplifies the values of fair play, northern cooperation, and team spirit. The 2024 recipient of the Hodgson Trophy is the Team Yukon.

Unlike the Opening Ceremony held less than a week earlier, the Closing was much more relaxed, with many athletes, officials, and staff encouraged to mingle, interact, and

trade with their counterparts.

“It was kind of spur of the moment-someone asked for a shirt and I got a jacket,” said Ken Howard of Yukon, who traded with a member of Team Nunavit.

In turn, several members of Team Nunavit were seen with jackets and gear from nearly every contingency at the Arctic Winter Games, and had done so much trading of gear that one member, Zachary Cziranka-Crooks, panicked that he might have lost his phone.

“It was great, really awesome,” said Cziranka-Crooks, who was so awed by the landscape of the Mat Su Valley that he risked taking pictures of the views while driving.

“Wasilla just had the most beautiful mountains, and I’m a safe driver, but here, it’s crazy that you can come around the corner and there’s just these mountains. I just had to have pictures because it’s pretty amazing.”

“What an awesome week,” said, Laura Cabott, the Mayor of Whitehorse, after graciously accepting the AWG flag and leading the thousands of athletes, officials, staff, volunteers, friends and family in attendance in a rousing cheer: “Thank you, Mat Su!”