The 2010 Arctic Winter Games are underway, in the Southern-most community to ever to host this biennial international celebration of sport and culture. Opening Ceremonies for the 21st set of Games were held Sunday, March 7 in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada.
During the first half of “A Hero’s Journey” the audience enjoyed a unique combination of cultural entertainment, showcasing the cultural diversity and youthful spirit of the community of Grande Prairie.
Troyanda Ukranian Dancers, Hoop-dancer Amanda Syryda, Grande Prairie Pipes & Drums, the Hero’s Journey Mass Choir, and the Games Cultural Ambassador Celeigh Cardinal performed during the first act for a suspiciously half-empty arena - before the second act saw over 2,000 athletes, cultural participants and coaches fill in the entire floor and a portion of the stands.
Opening Ceremonies are the official start to the Games, which also saw the start of athletic competition today on the soccer pitch. Sport results are available via the Games website. Visit www.awg2010.org for a link to the Games Event Management System (GEMS) where you can search by sport, day, team, or athlete – or view the calendar for details on upcoming competitions.
Monday, March 8 will see competition in 19 of the Games’ 21 sports, as well as the start of FREE Lunchtime Cultural Performances. Each of the nine international contingents will share the cultures of their homelands as they perform alongside local talent, Monday through Wednesday, 12:00-1:30 at Prairie Mall, Second Street Theatre, and the Games Trading Post.
For Games participants, the journey continues with six more days of athletic competition, social interaction, and cultural exchange before Closing Ceremonies, Saturday, March 13.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Accreditation Room Change
Volunteers who have yet to pick up their accreditation badge and uniform can do so at Grande Prairie Regional College Room H223. The Accreditation Centre will be open:
Friday March 5, 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Daily during the Games, 7:00am - 11:00pm
For More Information please contact the Games Office at 780-538-4777.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
2010 Arctic Winter Games Meets Volunteer Recruitment Goals
With over 2,500 people registered to volunteer for the 2010 Arctic Winter Games the Grande Prairie Host Society has met their volunteer recruitment goal – and with less than a week before the Games get underway, organizers have shifted their focus to the important task of accreditation.
Director of Volunteers, Linda Craik says they're thrilled to have reached this important milestone, but the hard work is far from over. Dozens of volunteer Volunteer Coordinators have already spent a lot of time on the phone – calling everyone that's registered to ensure they have completed some crucial steps, and to schedule them for specific jobs and shifts.
"Only once you've cleared your RCMP Clearance, uploaded a photo, and been scheduled for jobs and shifts – can you come to a 'Volunteer Accreditation Day', where you will pick up your volunteer accreditation badge and uniform."
With two of four Accreditation Days completed, and hundreds of badges handed out, President Debbie Reid admits the accreditation process got off to a bit of a bumpy start, but she says the organization is dedicated to rectifying the situation.
"We have faced some challenges with the process, due partially to technical issues and partially because of the number of steps that are required prior to attending an Accreditation Day. But we know where the issues are and are working hard to get everyone to the stage where they can pick up their Accreditation Badge prior to the start of the Games. At this point we're asking our volunteers for a little patience and understanding." Reid says.
Organizers are encouraging those who haven't completed all the steps, or who aren't sure of their status to call 780-538-4777, or visit the Games Office in Ernie‟s Plaza. Remaining Accreditation Days will be held Saturday, February 27 from 10-4, and Tuesday, March 2 from 5-8, at Montrose Cultural Centre (the new library building).
President Debbie Reid admits feeling the swell of pride for these Games in our Community as people finalize their Games Volunteer experience. "We‟re starting to see people around town, not just in Gameswear – but in VOLUNTEER wear, and as the President of this volunteer-driven organization I can say it warms my heart."
For more information contact:
Michelle Dupont, Marketing Assistant
Grande Prairie 2010 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
Phone: 780-538-4777 Cell: 780-296-1004
Friday, February 26, 2010
Opening Ceremonies!
Tickets Almost Sold Out – Standing Room Only!
What do hundreds of entertainers, 7 Masters of Ceremonies, dozens of behind the scenes helpers, 157 professional concert lights, 2 large HDTV Screens, and over 2,000 screaming excited youth from around the Polar World have in common? They will all be part of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. Titled, “A Hero’s Journey,” our Ceremonies are a two part journey filled with emotion, excitement and incredible entertainment!
Co-Creators of these Ceremonies, Garry Oker and Wayne Ayling have created two entirely different, but equally spectacular shows.
HERE IS A TASTE OF WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE:
- The first ever “Dance in the Dark” by 34 talented dancers- The World's first Indoor Northern Lights Display
- All nine contingents march into the arena to music from their own regions - Upbeat World Class Dance Music from around the Polar World!
- Moving live performances by our special 120 voice youth choir - Voices to move the most savage of cynical beasts! - The live singing of five national anthems!! - 157 professional concert lights including 54 moving lights – like at the Oscars!!!
THIS IS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OF THE FINEST CALIBER!~ AN EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NOT FORGET
~Opening Ceremonies: Sunday, March 7, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremonies: Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are On Sale Now!
Contact Crystal Centre Box Office
Call 780-538-0387
Or Click Here to Buy Online
What do hundreds of entertainers, 7 Masters of Ceremonies, dozens of behind the scenes helpers, 157 professional concert lights, 2 large HDTV Screens, and over 2,000 screaming excited youth from around the Polar World have in common? They will all be part of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. Titled, “A Hero’s Journey,” our Ceremonies are a two part journey filled with emotion, excitement and incredible entertainment!
Co-Creators of these Ceremonies, Garry Oker and Wayne Ayling have created two entirely different, but equally spectacular shows.
HERE IS A TASTE OF WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE:
- The first ever “Dance in the Dark” by 34 talented dancers- The World's first Indoor Northern Lights Display
- All nine contingents march into the arena to music from their own regions - Upbeat World Class Dance Music from around the Polar World!
- Moving live performances by our special 120 voice youth choir - Voices to move the most savage of cynical beasts! - The live singing of five national anthems!! - 157 professional concert lights including 54 moving lights – like at the Oscars!!!
THIS IS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT OF THE FINEST CALIBER!~ AN EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NOT FORGET
~Opening Ceremonies: Sunday, March 7, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremonies: Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are On Sale Now!
Contact Crystal Centre Box Office
Call 780-538-0387
Or Click Here to Buy Online
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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
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