After a hiatus of 12 years, the Kivalliq Summer Games made a comeback in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut over the past weekend. Athletes participated in various Arctic Sports competitions such as the one-foot high kick, arm pull, and head pull.
Russell Mullins, the recreation coordinator of the hamlet, was inspired to revive the games after coaching at this year’s Arctic Winter Games (AWG). He observed the heightened competition in Arctic Sports from regions like Alaska, Greenland, Northwest Territories, and Yukon and aimed to kickstart Nunavut’s competitive spirit starting at a regional level.
A total of 26 athletes, with the youngest being 12 years old, competed in the games. The Chesterfield Inlet team had been preparing for over a month and a half and showed great enthusiasm for the event. Mullins highlighted the excitement among junior participants for events like the head pull and arm pull, activities they had not been allowed to partake in previously.
The Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) sponsored the event, emphasizing the role of sports in uniting athletes from Kivalliq communities. Art Sateana, the acting communications manager, praised the games for showcasing talent, dedication, and teamwork, fostering community cohesion through sports.
Sateana acknowledged the challenges that led to the hiatus of the games, including logistical issues and financial constraints. However, he echoed Mullins’ sentiment that the recent AWG reignited interest in such events, expressing delight in witnessing the revival of the Summer Games.
The NU Sport Board expressed excitement about collaborating with KIA and Kivalliq communities to enhance the games further. They view this year as a foundation and aspire to elevate the games annually, aiming to restore them to their former prominence.
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Keywords: Kivalliq Summer Games, Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, Arctic Sports, athletes, revival, Arctic Winter Games, competition, community, sponsorship, sportsmanship, collaboration, NU Sport Board
