Cambridge Bay threw a welcome home party for gold medal winning wrestler Eekeeluak Avalak on Monday. (Photo by Samantha Crabtree, special to Nunatsiaq News)
Hundreds greet gold-medal winner Avalak in Cambridge Bay celebration
Wrestler’s emotional win at Canada Summer Games made Nunavut history
It was a triumphant return home to Cambridge Bay on Monday for Nunavut’s gold medal-winning wrestler Eekeeluak Avalak.
After his emotional victory in the men’s 52 kg event last Thursday at the Canada Summer Games in St. Catharines, Ont., close to 250 friends and relatives were at the airport Monday to greet him and his local teammates Jusipi Dimitruk and Kiana Ekpakohak.
The crowd grew as the welcoming parade moved through Cambridge Bay’s downtown toward the community centre, until close to 500 people were on hand in the hamlet of about 1,700 for a celebration that was expected to last into the night.
Avalak made Canada Games history by becoming the first Nunavut athlete to ever win a gold medal.
“This is the gold for all of us!” Avalak told the excited crowd Monday, shortly after getting off the plane.
The hamlet’s mascot, Ollie the Muskox, was there as well as an RCMP officer in full ceremonial uniform.
Avalak kept the gold medal around his neck throughout the event, and numerous people came up to admire it and touch it.
When Avalak, 18, won the gold medal Thursday, the entire crowd at the Canada Games Park gym erupted in a standing ovation as he leaped into the arms of his coach, Chris Crooks, after running a lap around the mat carrying the flag of Nunavut.
Monday’s celebration was also to include a photo booth, autographs, drum dancing and a traditional Inuit dinner.
An estimated 500 friends and relatives took in the parade for Eekeeluak Avalak in Cambridge Bay on Monday. (Photo by Samantha Crabtree, special to Nunatsiaq News)
Well deserved for all 3 athletes
A well deserved celebration for all three athletes and coaches…these young athletes are role models for so many. Cambridge Bay…first class to recognize their achievements! Well done everyone!
Great role models for everyone!
So awesome to see this, wtg Eekeeluak, Kiana and Jusipi. You are all role models for many years to come, you are showing the younger kids that anything is possible if you work hard at something and don’t quit.
One community made Nunavut proud, way to go Eeekeeluak!
Eekeeluak what a great win! you did so well! The folks of Cambridge Bay must be so proud of you.
greetings from Australia