Team Alaska on their way to compete in the Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic winter games

A total 217 Alaska Youth Athletes from Team Alaska departed to Wood Buffalo, Alberta to compete in the Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games, being held January 29-February 4.

Comprised of Alaskans from 32 communities, the 217 youth athletes are accompanied by 40 coaches, 2 chaperones, and 12 supportive staff to compete in 20 sporting events.

In a press release, Holly Odegard, Assistant Chef to Team Alaska and the Sport Manager for Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games, said: “It is a big deal that we’ll have 32 communities represented at the Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games. It has always been our goal to draw athletes from across Alaska.”

For most of the athletes, it will be their first time competing internationally. The athletes chartered two flights from Anchorage to Wood Buffalo, Alberta Canada on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

“I’m so excited to be meeting new people and the experience of it. I’ve never competed internationally. I learned about the Games from leadership teachers at Wasilla High. I was interested because my dad had done it too,” said Claire Koivunen, 17, from Wasilla, AK who will be competing in Women’s Ice Hockey. "The kids are extremely excited. We are going strong. We are ready to load the planes on Saturday,” said Odegard.

Along with the athletes, three cultural participants, along with their cultural coach are attending the Games to participate in weeklong cultural events including the Cultural Gala.

The team will be met in Wood Buffalo by 16 board, volunteer and staff members of the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games. Representatives from the 2024 Games will be on hand, including Mat-Su Borough Deputy Manager George Hays for the passing of the torch for next year’s Games, which will be held in the Mat-Su Borough.