By now, most local residents are aware that the Arctic Winter Games are coming to Grande Prairie, but how many of us REALLY know what the Games’ are all about?
Of course, Sport is a huge part of the Arctic Winter Games, with young athletes competing in dozens of Indoor and Outdoor Sports, including several Arctic Sports and Dene Games. But sport is just one component of this international celebration of sport and culture.
The Arctic Winter Games foster athletic competition, social interaction and cultural exchange for over 2,000 participants from across the circumpolar North. In addition to their athletes, each contingent also brings cultural representatives & programs to share the food, fashion, visual, performing and photographic arts from their communities.
As host to these unique Games, Grande Prairie will see this cultural exhibition and exchange first-hand, while also having the opportunity to share our Northern Alberta culture. The Games cultural program has many facets, including spectacular Opening & Closing Ceremonies.
Titled “A Hero’s Journey” the Opening & Closing ceremonies for the Games will link the teachings & traditions of the original people of the circumpolar world with the modern multicultural realities of today’s North. Ceremonies programs incorporate the philosophies of the modern ‘Virtues Project’ while keeping participants entertained through music, dancing, original character costumes, unique staging & multimedia elements.
We are currently seeking groups and individuals interested in performing during the Games Cultural Programs:
- Performers will be needed for Opening & Closing Ceremonies or a series of lunch-time performances
- Interested parties are asked to create a pieces that will WOW athletes & audiences
- Submissions should be 3 ½ minutes for Opening & Closing Ceremonies, 10-15 minutes for lunch performances
Submission guidelines and Application forms can be downloaded from the Games website by clicking HERE.
All performance applications must be in by September 30, 2009, so get your submission in to the Games Office today and ensure you're a part of this International Celebration of Sport and Culture!
For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
2010 Arctic Winter Games Hosts First Volunteer Rally
With only six months until the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie, organizers are stepping up Volunteer recruitment.
The Host Society will hold their first of three Volunteer Rallies this Saturday as a part of the City of Grande Prairie’s Community Connections event at Montrose Cultural Centre.
Director of Volunteers & Protocol, Linda Craik says the annual city event is the perfect venue for bringing the Games message to the masses.
“People in the City of Grande Prairie and surrounding areas see this event as their best chance to see what kind of leisure activities and opportunities for community involvement exist for them in Grande Prairie. We’ll be there to show them the MANY opportunities available with the Games,” Craik says.
The Games are a huge event for our community, she says, and they simply CANNOT happen without volunteers. In fact, 2,500 volunteers are required to make the Games a reality for Grande Prairie.
Close to 600 people are already registered, and with preparations well underway she says there is no shortage of tasks to keep them busy.
“These people really exemplify the enthusiasm and dedication that will make these Games a success. They’re the folks that heard the Games were coming and immediately made a commitment to be a part of it.”
Craik says that core group has been a major force in promoting the Games throughout the region - encouraging others to be involved through promotional displays, on-site volunteer registration stations, and many, many community parades. Games President Debbie Reid agrees, saying it’s the people that make the difference.
“This is exactly the type of teamwork that will lead us to true success as we near the Games” Reid says.
For more information, or to register, visit the Games Volunteer Rally:
Saturday, September 12, 2009
10:00am-3:00pm at Montrose Cultural Centre
Event Details
The Host Society will hold their first of three Volunteer Rallies this Saturday as a part of the City of Grande Prairie’s Community Connections event at Montrose Cultural Centre.
Director of Volunteers & Protocol, Linda Craik says the annual city event is the perfect venue for bringing the Games message to the masses.
“People in the City of Grande Prairie and surrounding areas see this event as their best chance to see what kind of leisure activities and opportunities for community involvement exist for them in Grande Prairie. We’ll be there to show them the MANY opportunities available with the Games,” Craik says.
The Games are a huge event for our community, she says, and they simply CANNOT happen without volunteers. In fact, 2,500 volunteers are required to make the Games a reality for Grande Prairie.
Close to 600 people are already registered, and with preparations well underway she says there is no shortage of tasks to keep them busy.
“These people really exemplify the enthusiasm and dedication that will make these Games a success. They’re the folks that heard the Games were coming and immediately made a commitment to be a part of it.”
Craik says that core group has been a major force in promoting the Games throughout the region - encouraging others to be involved through promotional displays, on-site volunteer registration stations, and many, many community parades. Games President Debbie Reid agrees, saying it’s the people that make the difference.
“This is exactly the type of teamwork that will lead us to true success as we near the Games” Reid says.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
10:00am-3:00pm at Montrose Cultural Centre
Event Details
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
2010 Arctic Winter Games Store Grand Opening Celebration
Just six months before the 2010 Arctic Winter Games come to Grande Prairie, organizers are encouraging area residents to start showing their support, with Arctic Winter Games merchandise!
Director of Administration for the Games, Mike Reid says although a limited selection of Games Gear was available previously, the Grand Opening Celebration commemorates several exciting changes - including a new look, extended hours, and new items for the Games Store.
Reid says like the Games themselves, the success of the merchandise program depends heavily on community involvement.
"The Games Crew has been all over the Peace Country, talking to people, showing what the Games Store has to offer and asking what people want to see - and a lot of those ideas have translated into what you see in the store today." Reid says a few of the new items include moisture wicking t-shirts, baby bibs, track suits, sweat pants, even portable flash drives and Aluk ‘action figures’. Aluk, a pachyrhinosaurus dinosaur discovered in the area, is the mascot for the upcoming Games.
Reid says that as the Games get closer and more people come on board, the demand for Games Gear grows. When those supporters can find Gameswear they really LIKE they’re more likely to wear it, advertising their involvement and encouraging others to get involved.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony held Friday, September 4 kicked off a weekend full of family activities at the Games Store, now open Thursdays and Fridays until 9:00 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am-6:00 pm, and Sundays and holidays 12:00 pm-5:00 pm, in Ernie’s Sports Plaza.
For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx
Director of Administration for the Games, Mike Reid says although a limited selection of Games Gear was available previously, the Grand Opening Celebration commemorates several exciting changes - including a new look, extended hours, and new items for the Games Store.
Reid says like the Games themselves, the success of the merchandise program depends heavily on community involvement.
"The Games Crew has been all over the Peace Country, talking to people, showing what the Games Store has to offer and asking what people want to see - and a lot of those ideas have translated into what you see in the store today." Reid says a few of the new items include moisture wicking t-shirts, baby bibs, track suits, sweat pants, even portable flash drives and Aluk ‘action figures’. Aluk, a pachyrhinosaurus dinosaur discovered in the area, is the mascot for the upcoming Games.
Reid says that as the Games get closer and more people come on board, the demand for Games Gear grows. When those supporters can find Gameswear they really LIKE they’re more likely to wear it, advertising their involvement and encouraging others to get involved.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony held Friday, September 4 kicked off a weekend full of family activities at the Games Store, now open Thursdays and Fridays until 9:00 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am-6:00 pm, and Sundays and holidays 12:00 pm-5:00 pm, in Ernie’s Sports Plaza.
For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx
Saturday, August 15, 2009
2010 Arctic Winter Games Mascot Discovers Ancient Family History
The 2010 Arctic Winter Games mascot got a first-hand history lesson recently. Aluk, the young Pachyrhinosaurus met with visiting palaeontologists on the banks of the Wapiti River and witnessed a portion of the excavation of the Wapiti River Bone Bed.
Researchers from the University of Alberta and Grande Prairie Regional College excavated several large bone blocks. The two-week dig was led by world-renowned paleontologist Dr. Philip Currie, and wrapped up Friday with the helicopter airlift of two enormous Pachyrhinosaurus skulls.
The Wapiti River site is the second Pachyrhinosaurus bone bed to be discovered in Grande Prairie. The first was opened in 1983 and yielded a new species of Pachyrhinosaurus (Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai). The bone beds have become so popular with local residents that many consider Pachyrhinosaurus 'their' regional dinosaur.
Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, Joanne Ballance says that sense of ownership has ensured a warm welcome for the Games mascot in the Grande Prairie region.
"The prominence of similar bone beds through North America’s higher latitudes makes the pachyrhinosaur a fabulous ambassador that speaks not only to the history of our local region, but brings to light a common thread between some of the Northern regions participating in the Arctic Winter Games" said Ballance.
Scott Persons is one of several students working with Dr. Currie on the project. A native of North Carolina, Persons is now entering his second year of a Masters of Paleontology at the University of Alberta.
“I was surprised when I heard the pachyrhinosaur had been chosen as the Games mascot. Although the scientific importance of Pachyrhinosaurus has been known in the professional realm for a long time, it is not a famous dinosaur as far as the public goes.” Persons said, "but pachyrhinos are cool critters and they are definitely iconic to Grande Prairie. So, I hope Aluk’s popularity will also help promote the amazing paleontological work that has been done in this region and help generate support for all the work that still has to be done."
For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Winner Announced for Theme Song Competition
Cultural organizers of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie are building momentum by announcing the winner of their Theme Song Competition.
In an effort to capture the International flavor of these unique Northern Games, the competition invited entries from anyone who has spent more than five years living North of the 55th parallel. After careful consideration of the many entries received, the selection committee decided on Grande Prairie’s own Kerry Hesse (nee Biegel) as the winning songwriter.
“As a songwriter, this was an opportunity for me to be a part of something that was so much bigger than myself,” says Hesse “I wrote the words to inspire and encourage people to give it their all and be the best that they can be.”
Hesse is from a musically talented family with deep roots in the Peace Region. Director of Culture Jackie Clayton says the selection committee was very impressed with Hesse’s entry entitled ‘Rise Up’.
“Kerry’s entry really exemplified the message we were hoping to get across with our Theme Song. We know that it will do a great job of inspiring the over 2,000 participants coming to Grande Prairie for the Games, as well as our local community in the eight months until we get there.” Clayton says the song speaks to the many ways individuals can ‘Rise Up’ and show their pride for sport, culture, and community.
In keeping with the youth focus of the Games, Wayne Ayling, Chair of Opening and Closing Ceremonies was tasked with ensuring the arrangement of the song had strong appeal to young people. Ayling looked to Shane Seward, a young musician heavily involved with the local music scene to involve other young artisits and come up with the arrangement of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games rock anthem.
The song will be featured at many events leading up to and during the Games - including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. It will be arranged for acoustic guitar, rock band, and choir. A wide variety of singers will be enlisted to perform the song.
For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx
In an effort to capture the International flavor of these unique Northern Games, the competition invited entries from anyone who has spent more than five years living North of the 55th parallel. After careful consideration of the many entries received, the selection committee decided on Grande Prairie’s own Kerry Hesse (nee Biegel) as the winning songwriter.
“As a songwriter, this was an opportunity for me to be a part of something that was so much bigger than myself,” says Hesse “I wrote the words to inspire and encourage people to give it their all and be the best that they can be.”
Hesse is from a musically talented family with deep roots in the Peace Region. Director of Culture Jackie Clayton says the selection committee was very impressed with Hesse’s entry entitled ‘Rise Up’.
“Kerry’s entry really exemplified the message we were hoping to get across with our Theme Song. We know that it will do a great job of inspiring the over 2,000 participants coming to Grande Prairie for the Games, as well as our local community in the eight months until we get there.” Clayton says the song speaks to the many ways individuals can ‘Rise Up’ and show their pride for sport, culture, and community.
In keeping with the youth focus of the Games, Wayne Ayling, Chair of Opening and Closing Ceremonies was tasked with ensuring the arrangement of the song had strong appeal to young people. Ayling looked to Shane Seward, a young musician heavily involved with the local music scene to involve other young artisits and come up with the arrangement of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games rock anthem.
The song will be featured at many events leading up to and during the Games - including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. It will be arranged for acoustic guitar, rock band, and choir. A wide variety of singers will be enlisted to perform the song.
For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx
Friday, June 26, 2009
2010 Arctic Winter Games Theme Song Competition Winner to be Announced Monday
Organizers of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie are building momentum for the cultural
component of the Games, with the winner of the 2010 Theme Song Competition to be announced at a media conference Monday.
In an effort to capture the International flavor of these unique Northern Games, the competition invited entries from anyone who has spent more than five years living North of the 55th parallel.
After careful consideration by the selection committee, a winner was chosen and will be announced Monday, June 29th at 10:30am, at a Media Conference being held at the Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza in Grande Prairie.
The song itself will remain under wraps for a few more days, and will be performed for the first time as a part of Canada Day celebrations at Muskoseepi Park. Director of Culture Jackie Clayton says the song, entitled ‘Rise Up’, fits the theme of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games ‘Dream Achieve Inspire’ very well.
In keeping with the youth focus of the Games, Wayne Ayling, Chair of Opening and Closing Ceremonies was tasked with ensuring the arrangement of the song had strong appeal to young people. Ayling looked to Shane Seward, a young musician heavily involved with the local music scene to involve other young artists and come up with the arrangement of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games rock anthem.
Media Interviews available:
Monday, June 29, 2009
Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza
10:30am
For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx
component of the Games, with the winner of the 2010 Theme Song Competition to be announced at a media conference Monday.
In an effort to capture the International flavor of these unique Northern Games, the competition invited entries from anyone who has spent more than five years living North of the 55th parallel.
After careful consideration by the selection committee, a winner was chosen and will be announced Monday, June 29th at 10:30am, at a Media Conference being held at the Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza in Grande Prairie.
The song itself will remain under wraps for a few more days, and will be performed for the first time as a part of Canada Day celebrations at Muskoseepi Park. Director of Culture Jackie Clayton says the song, entitled ‘Rise Up’, fits the theme of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games ‘Dream Achieve Inspire’ very well.
In keeping with the youth focus of the Games, Wayne Ayling, Chair of Opening and Closing Ceremonies was tasked with ensuring the arrangement of the song had strong appeal to young people. Ayling looked to Shane Seward, a young musician heavily involved with the local music scene to involve other young artists and come up with the arrangement of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games rock anthem.
Media Interviews available:
Monday, June 29, 2009
Games Office in Ernie’s Sports Plaza
10:30am
For More Information on this, or other news stories click http://www.awg2010.org/news.aspx
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