Host Society Announces Celeigh Cardinal as Cultural Ambassador

The 2010 Arctic Winter Games Host Society have named singer / songwriter Celeigh Cardinal as the Cultural Ambassador for this unique celebration of northern culture.

Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Cardinal started singing at a very young age – learning pictures as cues for songs until she learned to read. As a young adult, her desire to pursue a career in music only grew stronger.

At 29, Celeigh Cardinal has now performed at hundreds of events and opened for such legends as the Beach Boys, and Buffy St. Marie. She has played with a number of bands and currently fronts an eclectic group of musicians with varied experience and influences, The Celeigh Cardinal Band explores rock, rhythm and blues to create an earthy, soulful musical experience.

Describing herself as ‘hardly an athlete,’ Cardinal says she was initially surprised when invited to be an ‘ambassador’ for the Games, but grew quite excited after learning more about the cultural component to the week-long event.

“Music, arts, crafts, food, fashion - this is where my heart feels at home.” Cardinal says, “I consider myself lucky to highlight the most unique parts of every individual – their culture! As a musician, and a Metis woman, I’ve always held strong to the richness of my heritage, making it a foundation to each of the many paths I’ve chosen to explore. It’s my hope that as Cultural Ambassador for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games I will have the opportunity to share the vibrant and energetic spirit of my people with those from within our region and around the world.”

2010 Host Society President Debbie Reid says Cardinal’s passion for her music and pride in her heritage made her an obvious choice to represent the Games’ unique cultural offerings, which include not only music, but visual, photographic, performance, and culinary art offerings as well.

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx

The Hodgson Trophy

Ulus & Awards

For athletes at the Arctic Winter Games, there is no greater thrill than winning an ulu. The medal’s name and shape are borrowed from the all-purpose knife traditionally used by the Inuit. Ulus are awarded in bronze, silver, and gold; recognizing the hard work and commitment of athletes with a unique memento from the North.

For many of the sports featured in the Arctic Winter Games, medals are awarded at individual sport venues as winners are determined. Traditional ‘Medal Rounds’ will occur in only five of 21 sports; basketball, curling, hockey, soccer, and volleyball.

The Hodgson Trophy

Despite the obvious importance of a competitive spirit in athletic competitions, the Arctic Winter Games have always emphasized fair play over the need for victory. Since its introduction in 1978, the Hodgson Trophy symbolizes the ideals of fair play and team spirit, and is awarded to the participating contingent who best embodies those ideals. Team members also receive a unique pin in recognition of this accomplishment.

Donated by Commissioner Stuart Hodgson, this distinctive trophy is a one-of-a-kind piece of Inuit artwork from the Canadian Arctic. Its main feature is a six-foot high narwhal tusk mounted on a soapstone base and decorated with scrimshaw. A carved walrus wraps itself around the tusk at the base, and a carved bear clings to the tusk’s upper reaches, symbolizing the efforts of participants to reach for the top through their endeavors.

Votes from mission staff, registered coaches, major officials from each sport, Arctic Winter Games International Committee members, registered media, and the President, General Manager, and Sport Manager for the Host Society are tallied to award the trophy in a ceremony that highlights each Arctic Winter Games.

Previous Winners:

1978 – Alaska
1980-88 – Yukon
1990 – Alaska
1992 – Northwest Territories
1994 – Greenland
1996 – Northwest Territories
1998 – Yukon
2000 – Nunavut
2002 – Greenland
2004 – Nunavut
2006 – Alaska
2008 – Nunavut

Gameswar Friday's

We need YOUR Gameswear Fridays’ Photos!

Catch the crew in their Gameswear, or show how you’ve decorated your business for the Games!

Email to info@awg2010.org and you could be featured on the Games Website, or an upcoming issue of Ulu News.

Volunteer Rally - Saturday 23, 2010

- Register as a Volunteer

- Complete Security Clearance

- Get Your Accreditation Photo

- Choose Jobs

- Select Shifts

Get answers to ALL Your Games questions, direct from
representatives with each Division.

Montrose Cultural Centre
Teresa Sargent Hall
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tickets for Christmas

Every year the same uncertainty ... the same last-minute rush.

This year do something you can ONLY do this year ... stuff YOUR stockings with TICKETS for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, March 6th to 13th in Grande Prairie.

Witness the athletic competition, social interaction, and cultural exchange of this international celebration.

Get YOUR tickets for Opening & Closing Ceremonies, and breathtaking Cultural Galas at the Crystal Centre Box Office while they last.

Visit awg2010.org

Games Gear for Christmas

Every year the same uncertainty, the same last-minute rush.


This year do something you can ONLY do this year ... stuff YOUR stockings with support for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, March 6th to 13th in Grande Prairie.


Get ready to welcome the circumpolar north, with GAMES GIFTS for all ages:


Work-wear, outerwear, accessories, toys & more – at the Games Store in Ernie’s Sports Plaza


Or buy online at awg2010.org

Prospective Games Volunteers Asked Not to Delay Registration

With just over three months until Grande Prairie hosts the 21st Arctic Winter Games, organizers are nearly half-way to filling the volunteer needs of this international celebration of sport and culture.

2,500 volunteers will make the Games happen in Grande Prairie, and with close to 1,200 registered to-date organizers say they’re happy with where they’re at, while recognizing the long way left to go.

Director of Volunteers Linda Craik says the biggest misconception with prospective volunteers is that there’s no rush to get their name down on paper.

“Every day I talk to at least one person who says ‘Absolutely I’m going to volunteer, I just haven’t registered yet.’ ” Craik says, “What we’re really trying to get across is the many things that have to be done behind the scenes between when you sign up and when you get your accreditation badge & schedule.”

Craik says RCMP clearances can take several weeks to process, not to mention the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association training that’s provided free to every volunteer, or the specific training that may be required for specific roles and tasks.

“And in some cases there are only a few people required for a specific task.” She says, “Some committees are already contacting prospective volunteers based on their interests, either with pre-Games volunteer opportunities or to get people in place to fill their Games-time schedules.”

Craik says when the shifts are full, they’re full - so it’s important to register early, especially if you have a specific interest or are travelling a long distance, like those volunteering from our contingent regions.

REGISTER TODAY!
Online at www.awg2010.org:

Step 1 – Complete the Registration Form - indicate your interests & availability, and submit online

Step 2 – Download, Print & Complete the RCMP Clearance Form

Step 3 – Upload a Photo for your accreditation badge

Step 4 – Bring the completed RCMP Clearance Form to the Games Office with two pieces of government issued ID (one piece must have a photo, both must have your birthdate)

Or, Visit the Games Office and Store in Ernie’s Sports Plaza for help from the Games Crew!!

For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx