Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture

ARCTIC WINTER GAMES

2008 Arctic Winter Games a Shining Success

Rycroft Speed Skater Carries Alberta Flag into Closing Ceremonies

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories… The 2008 Arctic Winter Games have come to a conclusion and the volunteers who worked so hard over the past two years should feel proud of the show they hosted. The 20th Arctic Winter Games provided a unique opportunity for athletes, cultural performers, coaches, mission staff and spectators to experience sport, culture and friendship. These Games displayed athletic prowess, personal bests and opportunities to experience culture and gain lasting memories.

Team Alberta North was led into the closing ceremonies by flag bearer Landon Schoorlemmer, a multi- medalist in the sport of Speed Skating. This Rycroft athlete collected a gold medal setting an Arctic Winter Games record in the 500 metre Juvenile Male event. Landon also won two silvers in the 777 metre event and the 2000 metre relay race.

Team Alberta North's final medal count was 29 gold, 36 silver and 24 bronze medals resulting in a fourth place finish with 89 medals.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Congratulations to Landon Schoorlemmer, a speed skater from Rycroft, for his gold Ulu and new Arctic Winter Games record in the 500 meter event. Landon clocked in with a time of 48.87 seconds.

The wrestling team battled their way to a Bronze Ulu in the team competition. The team is gaining momentum and looking forward to winning more Ulus in the individual competition today. The team also would like to thank the host society and mission staff for making their stay so far in Yellowknife an enjoyable one.

Our Dene athletes were out on the lake yesterday competing in the Snow Snake event. Tasheena Campbell, competing in the Juvenile Female category, slid her way to Gold by throwing her stick just under 200 feet along the snow. Also, coaches Barbara and Gus would like to congratulate all of their male and female team members. Your efforts did not go unnoticed. Excellent efforts in stick pull and snow snake and we hope the rest of the week is very successful for all.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Congratulations goes out to Team Alberta North Arctic Sport athlete Coral Deleff from Fort McMurray for winning our first ulu, a silver in Junior Female Kneel Jump. Not to be outdone, Landon Schoorlemner, a speed skater from Rycroft, also won a silver ulu in the Juvenile Male 777 meter event.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories…Team Alberta North is ready to compete against the rest of the circumpolar north at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games. The Games take place from March 9 to 16.

Accomplished figure skater Tenneile Sigfusson, from Grande Prairie, carried the Alberta Flag with pride and passion into this evening’s opening ceremonies.  Tenneile, who was selected to carry the flag by Team Alberta North mission staff, is an outstanding athlete who is a leader on and off the ice. “I am extremely honoured to have been chosen as the flag bearer and I am looking forward to competing this week in Yellowknife.”

Along with Tenneile, Team Alberta Banner Carriers Damaris Lichti of Fort McMurray from the sport of cross country skiing and Jessica Henricks of Grande Prairie, from the sport of curling led Team Alberta North into the opening ceremonies.

Team Alberta North’s involvement in the Games is coordinated by the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, which is a non-profit crown corporation supported by the Alberta Lottery Fund. The Foundation’s mandate includes support for participation in sport and promoting athletic excellence.

Friday, March 7, 2008

210 athletes, coaches, cultural performers and mission staff will represent 28 communities north of the 55th parallel in 20 sports at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games from March 9 - 15 in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. 

The Arctic Winter Games are an international sport festival bringing together athletes from Alaska, Greenland, Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Nunavut, Yukon, Yamal (Russia) and Saami (Scandinavia).

The Arctic Winter Games have a unique flavour, they are known as the “friendly
games” as they combine competitive and cultural aspects.  The concept of the Arctic Winter Games was developed as a direct result of the experiences of northern athletes at the 1967 Canada Winter Games. Representatives of the Yukon and Northwest Territories realized that their teams were at a disadvantage due to relatively small athlete pools, lack of facilities and infrequent training opportunities. Therefore, the concept of an event specifically designed for northern athletes was born.

Alberta North joined the Games in 1986 and since that time athletes named to the team have had opportunities to improve their skills from instructional clinics, training camps and selection events and look forward to competing against their northern counterparts every two years.

For more information on Team Alberta North, please visit the following links:

Team Alberta North Media Book

Hometown List

Team List

$30.00

Men’s and Women’s
1/4 Zip Microfleece Sweater

100% Polyester Anti Pill Microfleece
1/4 Zip provides great insulation and breath-ability. Features drawcord
and toggle at waist, contrast colour grosgrain ribbon at neck and easy access side pockets.  Women’s style features a feminine fit.

Bay Blue with Team Alberta North embroidered on the left chest.

Backer Gear will available for purchase at the
Team Alberta North Appreciation Night on Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Recognizing the tireless efforts of Team Alberta North parents, family members, coaches, officials, medical and technical volunteers who encourage our athletes to achieve their dreams.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
8:30 - 11:00 pm

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
4750 - 48 Street
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

(sorry this event is not open to athletes)

Only those individuals who reside north of the 55th parallel are eligible to participate on Team Alberta North.  To see if your community is North of 55, please check out the eligible towns listing.  If you believe that your community was omitted from the list of eligible towns please let us know by emailing teamalbertanorth@gov.ab.ca. 

In addition to the Team Alberta North eligibility (the communities as listed above), the Arctic Winter Games International Committee established overall eligibility requirement for participants of the Games.  To see the international Committee's eligibility, please go to: