After a 12-year break, the Kivalliq Summer Games made a comeback over the weekend in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut. The event featured athletes competing in various Arctic Sports such as one-foot high kick, arm pull, and head pull.
Russell Mullins, the recreation coordinator of the hamlet, shared that the inspiration to revive the games stemmed from his coaching experience at this year’s Arctic Winter Games (AWG). Mullins noticed the increased competitiveness in Arctic Sports from regions like Alaska, Greenland, Northwest Territories, and Yukon, prompting him to reignite the competition in Nunavut, starting at a regional level.
This year, 26 athletes, with the youngest being 12 years old, participated in the games. The Chesterfield Inlet team had been preparing for over a month and a half and eagerly anticipated the competition, especially the younger athletes who were thrilled to engage in activities like the head pull and arm pull for the first time.
The Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) sponsored the event, emphasizing the significance of bringing Kivalliq communities together through sports. Art Sateana, the acting communications manager, highlighted the role of sports in uniting small communities and praised the talent, dedication, and teamwork showcased during the games.
Sateana acknowledged the challenges that led to the hiatus of the games, including logistical complexities and financial constraints. However, he echoed Mullins’ sentiment that the recent AWG reignited interest in such events, expressing joy in witnessing the revival of the games.
The NU Sport Board expressed excitement about collaborating with KIA and Kivalliq communities to enhance the games, viewing this year as a foundation for future growth. They are optimistic about building on the momentum of this year’s event and strengthening the games in the coming years.