Kenai Peninsula preps for 2006 Arctic games

SIKU CIRCUMPOLAR NEWS

Observers from around the circumpolar world came to take a look at preparations for the 2006 Arctic Winter Games that are already underway in this Alaskan community.

The AWG international committee as well as the chefs de missions, who represent the athletes and cultural delegations, toured the games venues and met host society organizers.

The biggest challenge for the Kenai host society will be renovating the Kenai Multipurpose Facility for hockey games. Seating needs to be upgraded, dressing rooms built and heating installed for spectators.

The host society also needs to address the issue of transportation. Kenai lacks major public transit, so getting athletes and spectators around is going to be a major challenge.

The games, which will run from March 5 to 11, 2006, are expected to bring between 6,000 and 8,000 visitors and 2,000 athletes.