AWG 2026 Host Society Announces Major Funders at 1 Year To Go Event
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society celebrated the upcoming Games at a 1 Year to Go event held on Thursday, March 6th at the Canada Games Centre.
Representatives from the 2026 Host Society were joined by City of Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron, Minister Richard Mostyn, Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, and Chair of the Yukon Lottery Commission Sara Skelton to formally announce the support of local, territorial, and federal funding partners in hosting the Games.
The announced funding includes:
- $750,000 of in-kind and financial contribution from the City of Whitehorse, as host jurisdiction
- $4.4 million of in-kind and financial support from the Government of Yukon
- $2.6 million from the Government of Canada through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program.
- Funding towards sports equipment from the Yukon Lottery Commission.
“The Arctic Winter Games are an incredible opportunity for making a lasting impact on our community,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the 2026 Host Society. “The support of our major funders means that these Games can leave a legacy on sport, culture, and our community that extends beyond the field of competition.”
“We are thrilled to have the Arctic Winter Games take place in Whitehorse in 2026. This will be the seventh time we’ve hosted these international games, and we look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, supporters, performers and volunteers from across the circumpolar world to our community. Over the next 12 months the City of Whitehorse will be working closely with the Arctic Winter Games Host Society and other partners to get venues and facilities ready for the games. We encourage residents to get involved and volunteer in the coming months as we prepare to showcase our city.” Mayor Kirk Cameron - City of Whitehorse, Host City
“The Arctic Winter Games leave a lasting impact on host communities by driving tourism, boosting local businesses, and providing athletes with a unique platform to showcase their skills, engage in cultural exchange, and compete at a high level. The Government of Yukon recognizes that investing in sport and recreation enhances the lives of Yukoners. Our $4 million contribution, along with in-kind support, is more than just funding for the Games—it is an investment in developing future community leaders”. Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn – Government of Yukon
“The Arctic Winter Games showcase the best of the North: resilience, determination and a deep sense of community. As Whitehorse gets ready to welcome athletes and artists from across Northern Canada and beyond, I want to recognize the hard work and dedication that make these Games possible. From the competitors giving it their all to the volunteers and organizers behind the scenes, your efforts unite people and keep this incredible tradition alive. Our government is proud to support an event that celebrates the strength, culture and connections that define life in the North.” The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
"In just over a year, Whitehorse will host the transformative power of sport in action. More than 2,000 participants from across the Arctic will be competing in the 21 sports featured. Thank you to every single person who made this possible. The Arctic Winter Games celebrate Arctic sport, culture, talent, and I can't wait for the excitement to begin!” MP Brendan Hanley, Yukon
"The Yukon Lottery Commission is proud to support arts, sport, and recreation across the territory, and we are thrilled to contribute to the success of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games. Our support, including the contribution of sports equipment, will ensure that athletes have the resources they need to grow, develop, and showcase their talents on this incredible international stage. We look forward to seeing Yukon athletes compete, connect, and celebrate their achievements at the Games.” Yukon Lottery Commission - Chair, Sara Skelton
The Host Society is holding a number of events over the next week engaging the local community in the excitement of the Games, including a public 1 Year To Go event on Saturday, March 8th at the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse, featuring family-friendly activities, a free sponsored public swim and the opportunity to sign up as a volunteer.
The 2026 Games will take place in Whitehorse from March 8-15, 2026, and will welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, mission staff, cultural performers, and spectators to Whitehorse from across Northern Canada, Alaska, and Scandinavia.
Whitehorse was previously selected to host the 2020 Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
For more information, please contact:
Larissa Winslade
Coordinator - Marketing & Sponsorship
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
P: (867) 332-2535 | E: larissa.winslade@awg2026.org AWG2026.org
other Recent updates
Flags Raised for 2026 Arctic Winter Games as Whitehorse Welcomes Circumpolar North
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2025
Flags Raised for 2026 Arctic Winter Games as Whitehorse Welcomes Circumpolar North
Whitehorse, Yukon — The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society proudly hosted its Flag Raising Ceremony today at the Canada Games Centre, marking a major milestone in the final stretch toward the Games.
Flags from all eight competing contingents—Alaska, Alberta North, Greenland, Northwest Territories, Nunavik, Nunavut, Sápmi, and Yukon—were raised alongside the flags of the host municipality - Whitehorse - and the two host First Nations - Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. The ceremony honoured the northern communities, cultures, and athletes who will gather in Whitehorse from March 8–15, 2026.
The event brought together representatives from the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, the City of Whitehorse, the Government of Yukon, the Government of Canada, and leaders from both host First Nations.
“Seeing these flags rise here today is a powerful symbol of everything the Arctic Winter Games stand for,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society. “Each flag represents a northern community coming together in the spirit of sport, culture, friendship, and pride. With just over 100 days to go, our staff team and hundreds of volunteers are moving from planning into full operations, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome the circumpolar world back to Whitehorse.”
Bilsky noted that the Games build long-term legacies for the Yukon, from volunteer development and athlete pathways to infrastructure improvements and the sharing of Indigenous cultures and northern traditions.
Upcoming AWG 2026 Events
- Volunteer Paperwork Contest
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Volunteers who sign up and submit their Criminal Record Check + Vulnerable Sector Check are automatically entered to win one of two Air North flight gift certificates. - Volunteer Open House
December 4, 2025 — 3:00–6:00 p.m.
AWG Office: 401 Main Street
Drop-in event for volunteer support, paperwork help, uniform try on, and refreshments. -
About the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games will take place from March 8–15, 2026, bringing together nearly 2,000 athletes and cultural participants, supported by 2,000 volunteers from across the Yukon and beyond.
Participants will represent eight contingents from the Circumpolar North:
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alaska, Northern Alberta, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Sápmi (cultural regions in Scandinavia), and Greenland.
The Arctic Winter Games celebrate sport, culture, and community — showcasing the incredible talent and spirit of northern youth while strengthening international friendships across the Arctic.
Whitehorse has a proud history with the Games, having previously hosted in 1972, 1980, 1992, 2000, 2007, and 2012. It was also selected to host the 2020 Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 edition marks the city’s seventh time welcoming the Arctic to its doorstep — a reflection of Whitehorse’s deep community pride and its proven capacity to deliver world-class northern events.
Media Contact:
Paolo Gallina
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
867-332-1463
-------------
POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE
2 décembre 2025
Levée des drapeaux pour les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique 2026 alors que Whitehorse accueille le Nord circumpolaire
Whitehorse, Yukon — La Société hôte des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique Whitehorse 2026 a tenu aujourd’hui sa cérémonie de levée des drapeaux au Centre des Jeux du Canada, marquant une étape importante dans la dernière phase de préparation en vue des Jeux.
Les drapeaux des huit contingents participants — Alaska, Alberta du Nord, Groenland, Territoires du Nord-Ouest, Nunavik, Nunavut, Sápmi et Yukon — ont été hissés aux côtés de ceux de la municipalité hôte, Whitehorse, ainsi que des deux Premières Nations hôtes : le Conseil des Ta’an Kwäch’än et la Première Nation des Kwanlin Dün. La cérémonie a rendu hommage aux communautés nordiques, aux cultures et aux athlètes qui se rassembleront à Whitehorse du 8 au 15 mars 2026.
L’événement a réuni des représentants du Comité international des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique, de la Ville de Whitehorse, du gouvernement du Yukon, du gouvernement du Canada, ainsi que des dirigeant(e)s des deux Premières Nations hôtes.
« Voir ces drapeaux se lever aujourd’hui est un symbole puissant de tout ce que représentent les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique », a déclaré Tracey Bilsky, présidente de la Société hôte des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique Whitehorse 2026. « Chaque drapeau représente une communauté nordique qui se rassemble dans un esprit de sport, de culture, d’amitié et de fierté. À un peu plus de 100 jours des Jeux, notre équipe et des centaines de bénévoles passent de la planification aux opérations complètes, et nous sommes extrêmement impatients d’accueillir à nouveau le monde circumpolaire à Whitehorse. »
Mme Bilsky a souligné que les Jeux laissent des legs durables au Yukon, notamment en matière de développement du bénévolat, de parcours pour les athlètes, d’améliorations aux infrastructures et de mise en valeur des cultures autochtones et des traditions nordiques.
Événements à venir — JHA 2026
Concours pour les bénévoles — Documents obligatoires
Date limite : 15 décembre 2025
Les bénévoles qui s’inscrivent et soumettent leur vérification du casier judiciaire et leur vérification du secteur vulnérable seront automatiquement inscrits pour courir la chance de gagner l’un des deux certificats-cadeaux de vol d’Air North.
Portes ouvertes pour les bénévoles
4 décembre 2025 — 15 h à 18 h
Bureau des JHA : 401, rue Main
Événement sans rendez-vous offrant du soutien aux bénévoles, de l’aide pour les formulaires obligatoires, l’essayage des uniformes et des rafraîchissements.
À propos des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique Whitehorse 2026
Les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique Whitehorse 2026 auront lieu du 8 au 15 mars 2026 et réuniront près de 2 000 athlètes et participants culturels, soutenus par 2 000 bénévoles provenant du Yukon et d’ailleurs.
Les participants représenteront huit contingents du Nord circumpolaire :
Yukon, Territoires du Nord-Ouest, Nunavut, Alaska, Alberta du Nord, Nunavik (Nord-du-Québec), Sápmi (régions culturelles de Scandinavie) et Groenland.
Les Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique célèbrent le sport, la culture et la communauté — mettant en valeur le talent et l’esprit remarquables de la jeunesse nordique tout en renforçant les relations internationales à travers l’Arctique.
Whitehorse possède une longue tradition d’accueil des Jeux, les ayant déjà organisés en 1972, 1980, 1992, 2000, 2007 et 2012. La ville devait également accueillir l’édition de 2020, annulée en raison de la pandémie de COVID-19. L’édition 2026 marque la septième fois que Whitehorse ouvre ses portes à l’Arctique — un reflet de la grande fierté communautaire de la ville et de sa capacité éprouvée à offrir des événements nordiques de calibre mondial.
Personne-ressource pour les médias :
Paolo Gallina
Société hôte des Jeux d’hiver de l’Arctique Whitehorse 2026
paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
867-332-1463
Arctic Winter Games 2026 and Yukon University Announce Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2025
Arctic Winter Games 2026 and Yukon University Announce Partnership
Whitehorse, Yukon — The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is proud to announce a new partnership with Yukon University, officially celebrated today during the much-anticipated Student vs. Teachers Futsal Game on the Whitehorse Ayamdigut campus.
This partnership brings together two organizations dedicated to supporting northern youth, honouring cultural diversity, and strengthening community connections as Whitehorse prepares to welcome athletes, coaches, cultural participants, and supporters from across the circumpolar North in 2026.
“Yukon University is an essential partner in bringing the Arctic Winter Games to life. Their commitment to northern youth and community makes this collaboration a natural fit, and we’re thrilled to welcome athletes and cultural participants onto this vibrant campus in March 2026.”
— Megan Cromarty, General Manager, Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games
As part of this collaboration, Yukon University will play a central role in hosting the Games. The campus cafeteria will serve as the main meal site for all 2,000 participants, ensuring athletes, coaches, and cultural delegates are well supported throughout the week. The Ayamdigut Campus gym will also be the official futsal venue, bringing the excitement of competition directly to the university community.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all participants and highlights Yukon University as a vibrant hub of community pride during the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.
“We’re excited for the Yukon University Community to play a part in the Arctic Winter Games. Sport gives us an opportunity to work, learn and celebrate together.”
— Shelagh Rowles, Interim President, Yukon University
About the Arctic Winter Games
The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth from the circumpolar North. Taking place in Whitehorse from March 8–15, 2026, the Games will welcome more than 2,000 participants from Northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Sápmi, and other circumpolar regions to compete in 20 sports and share their cultures and traditions.
For more information about the Games or partnership opportunities, please visit awg2026.org or follow @whitehorse2026 on social media.
Media Contact:
Larissa Winslade
Coordinator, Marketing & Sponsorship Activation
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
larissa.winslade@awg2026.org
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Launch Two Exciting Community Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2025
Haines Junction, Yukon
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Launch Two Exciting Community Programs
“With You at the Games” Fundraising Initiative and “Games On!” Pre-Games Activity Guide Now Live
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is thrilled to announce the launch of two new community engagement programs designed to connect northerners and supporters from around the world with the spirit and excitement of the Games.
With You at the Games – Support a Participant Program
The With You at the Games program is a grassroots fundraising initiative that invites families, community members, and local businesses to directly support participants of the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse.
Contributions to this program help cover real participant costs such as meals, accommodation, and other essentials, ensuring that every athlete and cultural delegate feels welcomed and supported during their time in Whitehorse.
Donation levels include:
- $25 – Fuel an athlete with a hearty meal
- $50 – Meals for a full day
- $100 – Provide a comfortable bed for a night
- $250 – Support one participant’s full Games experience
Every contribution makes a difference — from small gestures to full sponsorships. Donations can be made online via the Arctic Winter Games website under the “With You at the Games” link. Charitable receipts are available for Canadian donations.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/with-you-at-the-games-support-a-participant-program
Games On! Pre-Games Activity Guide
.png)
Also launched today is Games On!, a resource package designed for schools, recreation groups, and community organizations interested in hosting their own mini Arctic Winter Games.
This fun and educational guide provides activity ideas, event templates, and preparation tips to bring the Games experience to local communities. Games On! will be distributed across Yukon and throughout the North, helping build excitement for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games while fostering a deeper understanding of the sports, cultures, and values that define the event.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-woNuKRD0vnrCk-F-9ahZbWtZ30raWzK/view?usp=sharing
“The Arctic Winter Games are about more than competition — they’re about connection, community, and northern pride,” said Megan Cromarty, General Manager of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society. “Through these programs, we’re inviting everyone to play a role in bringing the Games to life — whether that’s hosting a mini-Games in your school, or helping an athlete enjoy a warm meal and a good night’s rest. Together, we can make every participant feel the North’s spirit of hospitality.”
About the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games will take place from March 8–15, 2026, bringing together nearly 2,000 athletes and cultural participants, supported by 2,000 volunteers from across the Yukon and beyond.
Participants will represent eight contingents from the Circumpolar North:
Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alaska, Northern Alberta, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Sápmi (cultural regions in Scandinavia), and Greenland.
The Arctic Winter Games celebrate sport, culture, and community — showcasing the incredible talent and spirit of northern youth while strengthening international friendships across the Arctic.
Whitehorse has a proud history with the Games, having previously hosted in 1972, 1980, 1992, 2000, 2007, and 2012. It was also selected to host the 2020 Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 edition marks the city’s seventh time welcoming the Arctic to its doorstep — a reflection of Whitehorse’s deep community pride and its proven capacity to deliver world-class northern events.
Media Contact:
Larissa Winslade
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
larissa.winslade@awg2026.org
867-332-1948
Remarque :
La traduction française du site est générée automatiquement et peut ne pas être totalement exacte.
please note :
French translation on the site is auto generated and may not be fully accurate.
Should there be an issue with the translation, please email info@awg2026.org
