‘I’m not racing but to win for Johnny’: Kimmirut teen wants to honour late brother

Robert Padluq has a goal that’s greater than simply being the first to pass the finish line when he competes in the Toonik Tyme race to Kimmirut on Sunday.

“I’m not racing to win but for Johnny, and to help stop suicide,” Padluq said, speaking of his late brother, Johnny Padluq, who died by suicide in January at age 19.

Robert Padluq, 18, will ride on the snowmobile his brother purchased in December. He has named it “19 Forever,” and decorated the fender with a decal that reads: “Stop Suicide.”

“These boys did not have an easy life, most of it filled with many family social issues and family losses,” said Edward Flynn, the brothers’ teacher and principal at Qaqqalik School in Kimmirut.

He’s supporting Padluq as he prepares for the race.

Robert Padluq will ride his late brother’s snowmobile, which the racer named 19 Forever, in the race between Iqaluit and Kimmirut on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Edward Flynn)

The Padluq children lost their parents at a young age, Flynn said, and were raised by their uncle and aunt, Killiktee and Mary Padluq, whom the boys looked up to.

“They grew into the most kind-hearted young men you could ever meet,” Flynn said of the pair.

“There is nothing these two boys would not do for you and the community.”

Padluq approached Flynn last week to share his plans for the race.

“Needless to say, the tears flowed uncontrollably,” Flynn said.

“He called me to go outside to look at his snowmobile, and again we both cried.”

A social media call-out by Flynn seeking support for Padluq led to the young racer receiving sponsorship and donations to help cover the cost of the race, which carries a $1,250 registration fee plus a long, expensive list of gear needed to compete.

Flynn donated the gear. People from as far away as Iqaluit covered the entrance fee and expenses with donations ranging from $20 to $1,400.

Dean Dominix, of Dominix Fire Protection and Services Inc. in Iqaluit, is one of Padluq’s biggest boosters. Donating “was a no-brainer,” he said.

“I hope more businesses step up to sponsor Robert.”

Donations have covered Padluq’s fuel costs, and some Kimmirut residents loaned garage space so he can tune up 19 Forever in the days before the race.

Any money that’s left over will be used to pay off the $8,000 still owing for his brother’s snow machine, Padluq said.

“More tears. What a guy,” said Flynn. “On Sunday, Robert rides with his brother Johnny in his heart for suicide prevention. The community is really behind Robert — 19 Forever — go Robert go!”

The annual 240-kilometre race from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and back while pulling a loaded qamutik, which is part of Iqaluit’s Toonik Tyme festival, begins on the sea ice in Iqaluit at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Padluq will also compete in a second race between Iqaluit and Kimmirut, this one with an unloaded qamutik, which is scheduled for April 6.

The Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 867-979-3333 or toll free at 1-800-265-3333 for anyone who is experiencing distress or whose loved ones are.