Wood Buffalo is hosting the 2022 Arctic Winter Games.
When are the Arctic Winter Games?
The proposed dates are March 6-12, 2022.
Who participates in the Games?
Over 2,000 athletes are expected to participate. Athletes come from Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, Greenland, Yamal (Russia), Nunavik, Quebec and Sapmi (Indigenous peoples of Norway, Sweden and Finland). Most athletes are 12 to 18 years old.
What sports will be held?
The events included in the 2022 Arctic Winter Games have not been finalized. The Arctic Winter Games International Committee selects which sport events to include. That happens after the host society signs the contract with the International Committee.
Wood Buffalo proposed the following sports in its bid for the games:
- Alpine skiing
- Archery
- Arctic sports
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Cross country skiing
- Curling
- Dene Games
- Dog mushing
- Figure skating
- Futsal (indoor soccer)
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Short track speedskating
- Ski biathlon
- Snowboarding
- Snowshoe Biathlon
- Snowshoeing
- Table Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
How much will it cost to host the Arctic Winter Games?
The cost of hosting the Games is between $5 million and $8 million. Council approved $4 million dollars for operating and capital costs to host the Games. The Alberta government will contribute $1.8 million. Grants, sponsorships and gift-in-kind donations will cover a significant portion of the costs.
About the Games
The Arctic Winter Games are the largest northern multi-sport and culture event in the world. Athletes from the circumpolar north will travel to Wood Buffalo to compete in traditional Arctic Sports, Dene games and other popular winter sports over the span of seven days. The Games will also feature cultural and social events to celebrate our diversity and heritage and promote an exchange of values between residents and visitors.
“I'm excited that our region will be hosting a major international event and welcoming thousands of visitors to our community,” said Mayor Don Scott. “It's an opportunity for Wood Buffalo to showcase our world-class facilities, enthusiastic volunteers and incredible community spirit and diversity. I'd like to thank the Arctic Winter Games International Committee for choosing Wood Buffalo, the Bid Committee for their hard work and our residents for their support.”
Bid process
After a competitive bid process, the Arctic Winter Games International Committee officially announced Wood Buffalo will host the 2022 Games at a press conference Feb. 8, 2019 at MacDonald Island Park.
Wood Buffalo's bid to host the 2022 Arctic Winter Games was led by a bid committee, a diverse group of community stakeholders. The committee created a bid package and planned a bid tour to showcase our region to members of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. The bid tour was held on January 15, 2019 and included a community pep rally, cultural performances and a tour of the proposed facilities in Wood Buffalo's bid.
Mission
Honouring the heart and spirit of the Games, we will enrich lives by promoting personal excellence, cultural diversity and creating a legacy for athletes, participants, volunteers and the Wood Buffalo Region.
Vision
In sharing the energy of our great northern community, we will create a memorable athletic, cultural and social experience while fostering a sense of accomplishment for local and visiting participants.
Values
- Access and equity
- Cultural diversity, inclusion and awareness
- Fair play
- History
- Honesty
- Legacy
- Personal excellence
- Respect for self and others