It will soon be time to head for the courts as the 2024 Laura Gauthier Memorial (LGM) volleyball tournament is set for May 2-5 at Rankin Inlet’s new arena.
The LGM launched in 2000 and has continued as an annual event open to the North, only missing one year due to Covid.
The LGM committee — currently comprising Toota Tatty, Reanna Johnston and John Ussak — is already looking ahead to big things to celebrate the tournament’s 25th anniversary in 2025.
As of April 21, there were seven men’s and 12 women’s teams registered for this year’s LGM, with at least six teams from the Baffin expected and, hopefully, two from the Kitikmeot.
As with any tournament, Tatty said the LGM has had its ups and downs.
She said the sport seems to die down in popularity from time to time, which can lead to a low turnout of teams for the tournament.
“Lately it’s been making a big comeback, especially with the tournament being hosted in the new arena for the first time this past year,” said Tatty.
“We’re able to have two courts in the new arena, so I think that’s really helping to boost the attendance.
“There were lots of big contenders last year, so it was a lot of fun to watch every game, especially in the playoffs.”
Johnston said moving to the new arena in 2023 was amazing for committee members.
She said it makes for one less building to take care of during the tournament and the hamlet arena staff are extremely supportive during the event.
“They took on a lot of the responsibilities that we used to be solely responsible for when the tournament was held in the two schools,” said Johnston.
“Shutting down at the end of the tournament and cleaning it all up was lifted from the committee’s shoulders.
“The canteen running in the arena, as well, is a real convenience for a lot of the players. As far as spectators go, to be able to watch two games being played simultaneously was something positive that was mentioned a lot throughout the tournament.”
Last year saw Iqaluit defeat Naujaat for the men’s championship, while Pangnirtung topped Iqaluit on the women’s side of the ledger.
Pangnirtung was, at one time, a steady competitor at the LGM, and 2023 marked the team’s victorious comeback after many years of not attending.
The costs associated with travel was the main culprit behind Pangnirtung’s prolonged absence from the event.
Naujaat and Team Hang and Bang from Rankin Inlet have been top rivals on the men’s side during the history of the LGM, while Rankin’s V Team and Team Fusion have often run into each other on the female side. Team Familia have also been strong contenders on the ladies’ side and captured the Aivilik tournament in Naujaat in April.
Tatty said the teams that haven’t participated in many years are starting to make a comeback, and this year’s tournament will be broadcast live for the first time.
She said the Pangnirtung women used to be regular attenders and Baker Lake appeared for the first time in “many, many moons” in 2023.
“It was the same thing last year with the Arviat men,” said Tatty. “They hadn’t attended in many years and, this year, we even have an Arviat women’s team competing.
“We had a Naujaat ladies’ team compete last year for the very first time and they’re coming again this year. They did really well in their first tournament here.”