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.

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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.

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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. 

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“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.”

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“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

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"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

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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.

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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.

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Whitehorse was previously selected to host the 2020 Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

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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