Students, community members, and politicians exuded enthusiasm at a ceremony in Iqaluit for the unveiling of Team Nunavut’s uniforms for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games last week.
The ceremony, held at Inuksuk High School on Feb. 27, opened with a performance by the Inuksuk Drum Dancers, who will be going alongside the athletes to perform in Alaska March 10-16.
Approximately 300 Nunavut team members will be representing the territory.
“The Arctic Winter Games is the biggest sport and cultural event for Nunavut athletes, cultural participants, coaches and officials,” said emcee Ella Estee, who will be participating as a cultural performer at the Games. “The stories…that past participants have passed down from the AWG has served as inspiration for [today’s] participants. Youth ambassadors have been working incredibly hard in preparing and training to represent their sport or event, their communities and the territory.”
Inuktitut translations were provided by volleyball coach Jonah Oolayou.
Minister of Community and Government Services David Joanasie was present for the unveiling along with Premier P.J. Akeeagok, and spoke to the assembled audience in Inuktitut and English.
“To all the dedicated athletes, coaches, and all the people behind you, I commend you for your unwavering commitment, your hard work, leading up to this moment. Many of you have been recently returned from rigorous training camps, while others are gearing up for ones next week. Your dedication is truly commendable. And being selected to represent Team Nunavut is a tremendous honour, one that comes with significant responsibility, and as ambassadors for your communities in our territory.
It was announced that the flag bearer leading Team Nunavut into the ceremony will be Pangnirtung’s Iris Sowdluapik, competing in badminton.
“You will have the opportunity to unveil your team uniform,” Joanasie continued, “I encourage you to wear it with pride as you compete in Alaska. Give it all your might, and embrace every minute of this experience. I am delighted to see everyone gathered here… even though we are all spread out across this great territory, we all stand united as one team… Have fun, play hard, and play fair. Best luck to each and every one of you! Let’s go Team Nunavut!”
Male and female uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies were then modelled as the minister displayed the 2024 pin set team members would be carrying. The female model was Khaylle Sarte, who will be competing in volleyball. Piita Arreak was wearing the men’s attire and will be competing in futsal at the AWG.