Volunteers Power the Arctic Winter Games

Wherever you go in Whitehorse this week, you’ll see volunteers in their bright blue coats and t-shirts. The Arctic Winter Games requires well over a thousand volunteers, and they’ve shown up with energy and enthusiasm. Across venues, there are smiles and cheerful voices as volunteers juggle logistics, judge sports, and greet athletes, spectators, and fellow volunteers.

Jordan Keats has competed in the Arctic Winter Games as an athlete, but this is his first year as volunteer, helping with set up and media and as a line judge for volleyball.  

“It’s nice for me to come back and have the feeling of being part of the games that you can’t describe unless you’re actually part of it,” he said. “Just being around the games and in the spirit of them, it’s exciting, it really is.”

Tanya Sage is another former athlete who’s returned as a volunteer alongside her daughter Bria. She said they were excited to help make the games happen and that the experience was valuable for Bria. “It’s good for her to see how you can be from all these different places but have so much in common and be able to connect,” she said. “You don’t know each other but you all have your love of sport and camaraderie.”

This year there’s even a canine volunteer. Thorin is an accredited facility dog whose regular job is supporting Emergency Medical Staff. His handler Alison Harper said they went to the Opening Ceremonies to introduce him, and now the athletes are, “hunting him down to find him. There’s been nothing but love.”

She said as competitions are coming to their end and emotions are running high, Thorin’s been busy supporting athletes with snuggles and games of tug. She said that for some athletes, “it’s their first time away from home. Their support systems at home aren’t here,” but after some time with Thorin they go from crying to laughing, and leave reset and ready for the rest of the day.

“Thorin and I love that we were asked to be part of the games,” Alison said. “Being a part of the community has been really special.”

Keats echoed their joy. “It’s definitely worth trying it at least once,” he said. “You’re getting involved in something that’s very valuable and makes a ton of memories for not just athletes, but for coaches, for volunteers, for everybody. It’s very special.”

By Lane Tredger