‘Come and be happy’: Christmas games kick off in Iqaluit

Slideshow | More than 200 people turn out at cadet hall for annual holiday tradition

Iqalummiut play at the 2024 Iqaluit Christmas games at the cadet hall on Monday, the first day of the annual tradition. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)

By Arty Sarkisian

More than 200 Iqalummiut gathered Monday night at the Iqaluit cadet hall to run around, throw balls, get competitive and be silly on the first day of the annual Christmas games.

“The City of Iqaluit is hosting these games, and the only thing they are asking is for you to come and be happy,” said David Akeeagok, Nunavut’s minister of justice, who was one of the hosts of the event.

Iqalummiut gather in a circle for the 2024 Christmas games at the cadet hall Monday night. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)

Kids and adults played games like Untie and Wrist and were able to win one of the many prizes — anything from mittens or an ulu to a gift card at Arctic Ventures or the Snack.

The biggest prize — a Canadian North ticket for a round trip to Ottawa — will be awarded on the last day of the games, Dec. 31.

One of the organizers, Naja Pearce, said they are still thinking about what game will be used to determine the big winner.

It took about a month to organize the event, Pearce said, adding that even though she had never taken part in the games, she loves watching the community enjoy the result of her work.

The games continue on Christmas Eve and will continue until New Year’s Eve, breaking for Christmas Day and the weekend of  Dec. 28 and 29. They run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day, followed by a New Year’s Day candy toss on Jan. 1.

  • Iqalummiut play at the 2024 Iqaluit Christmas games at the cadet hall on Monday. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
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