Government of Canada Supports the 2012 Arctic Winter Games

CanNor-11-021

Pictured here with the official AWG Mascot, Borealis are Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski, Whitehorse Mayor Bev Buckway, MP Ryan Leef and President of the Arctic Winter Games Host Society George Arcand.

Whitehorse, Yukon (January 14, 2012) – The Government of Canada is proud to support the 2012 Arctic Winter Games, taking place in Whitehorse March 4-10, 2012. These games are a unique way to celebrate sport and Canada's northern culture, as well as showcasing Yukon's beautiful northern landscape to the many visiting athletes from around the world.

"Holding the Games in Whitehorse this year gives Yukon an opportunity to showcase its dynamic cultural presence and top class facilities which make the territory an ideal host," said Yukon MP Ryan Leef. "The Government of Canada is proud to invest in the 2012 Arctic Winter Games which will strengthen and foster partnerships between participating countries and generate local economic activity."

"The Government of Canada is proud to support the Arctic Winter Games through Sport Canada Hosting Program," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "Hosting an international sport event like this benefits Canadian athletes and has a positive impact on the local economy and the community."

"The Yukon government is proud to be contributing $1.4 million in funding for the Arctic Winter Games," said Yukon Premier Darrell Pasloski. "The games provide Yukon youth with unique opportunities to challenge themselves and bring northern people together to celebrate sporting excellence and showcase our unique northern heritage and cultural traditions."

"In March of 2012, Whitehorse will welcome the northern world for a celebration of sport and culture," said George Arcand, President of the Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games Host Society. "The Arctic Winter Games is an excellent example of how major events can fill our local hotel rooms, enhance awareness of the North, and provide an economic boost during the winter months." The Government of Canada's contribution is critical to the success of these games and without their support, these Games would not be possible."

Held every two years since 1970, the 2012 Arctic Winter Games will attract more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and cultural performers to Whitehorse between March 4-10. Competing teams will come from all across the circumpolar world including Canada (Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Northern Alberta and Northern Quebec), Greenland, Russia (Yamal), the Sapmi region (Norway, Sweden, Finland), and the USA (Alaska).

Various federal departments and agencies are providing financial support for the 2012 Games including the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Canadian Heritage and Sport Canada.

For more information on the 2012 Arctic Winter Games visit www.awg2012.org  

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca   and for more information on Canada's Northern Strategy, visit: www.northernstrategy.gc.ca/index-eng.asp  .

• Backgrounder - Government of Canada Supports the 2012 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Cailin Rodgers
(613) 957-0200

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
Erin Macpherson
Communications Advisor
(867) 667-3849

Canadian Heritage
Media Relations
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

Arctic Winter Games
Kelly Proudfoot- Marketing Manager
(867) 393-2000

Cabinet Communications
Elaine Schiman
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

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