Team Nunavut unveils winter Games uniforms
Badminton player Iris Sowdluapik is this year’s flag bearer at Arctic Winter Games
Team Nunavut athletes are heading to this year’s Arctic Winter Games in bold red and blue uniforms.
The new designs were met with loud applause from parents, coaches and athletes at Tuesday’s unveiling event held at Iqaluit’s Inuksuk High School.
Cale Sarte, a volleyball player who sported the red uniform, said she is very excited to compete at the Games because she has a lot of confidence in her team.
Peter Arreak, who was onstage to show off the blue uniform, plays futsal indoor soccer. He said “I am going to have so much fun this year competing with my team.”
Host community Mat-Su Valley, Alaska, is expecting an influx of 2,000 athletes and team members from circumpolar regions including Nunavut, Nunavik, N.W.T., Yukon and Greenland for the Games, which run March 10 to 16.
They will compete in a variety of winter sports including hockey, curling, biathlon and speedskating.
This year’s flag bearer will be Iris Sowdluapik, a badminton athlete from Pangnirtung, announced Community and Government Services Minister David Joanasie during his opening remarks Tuesday.
Sowdluapik will lead Team Nunavut at the opening ceremonies.
Joanasie said this is an exciting time for those taking part in the Arctic Winter Games.
“To all the dedicated coaches, athletes and all the people behind you, I commend you for your unwavering commitment and your hard work leading to this moment,” he said, encouraging them to wear their uniforms with pride.
Lookin’ pretty slick, good luck and have fun!