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
Megan Cromarty on the CBC Yukon Morning show
Our General Manager sat down with CBC on June 5, 2025 to chat all things AWG2026 — from volunteers and planning milestones to what’s coming next! Listen to the full interview on CBC On Demand:
#whatwearemadeof #AWG2026
VIDEO: 2026 Arctic Winter Games host society gets new home in downtown Whitehorse. Watch the news coverage highlighting our new office space!
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6787556
Announcing the AWG 2026 50/50 Raffle!
Get ready to win big while supporting the Arctic Winter Games Whitehorse 2026! Our online 50/50 raffle gives you the chance to take home cash while helping us deliver an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture.
🎟 Tickets are only available online at Rafflebox. You must be 19+ and a Yukon resident (your credit card must match a Yukon postal code). Per our license, printed tickets will be mailed out after the raffle closes. You will receive an email ticket as proof of purchase immediately after your purchase.
Draw Date: May 25, 2025
Location: AWG 2026 Host Society Office
Time: Join us online for a live draw at 12:00pm
Funds raised will go towards creating op for Northern athletes and communities. Don't miss out - grab your tickets TODAY! #whatwearemadeof
Yukon Gaming License #2025-038
Whitehorse 2026 AWG Business Mixer Generates Strong Sponsorship Support
With one year to go until the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games, over 30 businesses and organizations have stepped up to pledge their support at tonight’s Business Community Mixer at Coast Mountain Sports. This milestone event marks a significant moment in the lead-up to the Games, reinforcing the momentum and excitement surrounding this international celebration of Arctic sport and culture.
"The Arctic Winter Games are about more than just competition—they’re about capacity building and celebration for athletes, coaches, cultural contingents and volunteers across the North," said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 AWG Host Society. "The Games provide an opportunity for young athletes to compete at a high level while also learning valuable life skills and sharing important cultural traditions. Volunteers, officials and cultural performers gain experience that strengthens sport development in their communities. The strong business support we’re seeing today helps ensure that these Games create a lasting legacy."
Tonight’s event showcased the growing corporate support behind the Games, with businesses committing financial sponsorships and value-in-kind contributions to help bring the Games to life. Amanda Deuling, Co-Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, highlighted the success of the sponsorship campaign:
"The momentum behind the Arctic Winter Games continues to build. With significant cash and in-kind contributions pledged or confirmed, we’re in a strong position to meet our sponsorship targets. This allows us to grow our focus in working with sponsors on meaningful activation that will enhance the athlete, participant, volunteer, and spectator experience."
As one of the Arctic Winter Games' longest-standing supporters, Northwestel has played a crucial role in connecting northern communities through sport, culture, and technology. Their ongoing commitment to the Games ensures athletes, volunteers, and spectators have access to essential telecommunications services, helping to create an inclusive and well-connected experience.
“Northwestel is honoured to continue our tradition of being a Legacy Sponsor of the Arctic Winter Games in our partnership with the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games host society at the highest sponsorship level—Arctic Champion. Over our 55-year partnership with the Games, we have deeply valued the moments when our northern communities across all territories and beyond unite to celebrate the vibrant cultures that define our regions. We are thrilled to welcome all the Games’ participants and spectators to Whitehorse in 2026, where we will celebrate athletic excellence and our shared Northern spirit,” said Northwestel President Curtis Shaw.
The following sponsors have pledged their support for the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games:
Arctic Champions
- Northwestel
- Northern Vision Development
Arctic Heroes
- Yukon Energy
- Yukon Development Corporation
- Dakwakada Capital Investments
- Northerm
- Castle Rock Enterprises
Arctic Supporters
- Connected North
Official Suppliers
- Karbon Clothing
- Air North – Yukon’s Airline
- Mammoth Marketing & Design Agency
- CKRW – The Rush
- Yukon News
- Yukon Brewing
- Taku Sport Group & Coast Mountain Sports
- Domino’s Pizza
- Kimik IT
BSC Golf Classic – Hole Sponsors
- Arcrite/Dairy Queen
- Ketza Construction
- Lamarche Lang
- Duncans Ltd
- Arctic Backhoe
- Budget Plumbing and Heating
- SDC
- Kobayashi and Zedda
- HVACTech Systems
- Terence Tait Realty
- BSC/Dune Engineering
- Greenwood Engineering
- Ice Fog Analytics
- Floors at Capital Builder Flooring
Games Contributors
- Pepsi and Northland Beverages
- Arctic Star Printing, Inkspirationz & Green Screen Printing
As sponsorship momentum continues to grow, the Host Society will enhance efforts toward community engagement, and finalizing operational plans.
For more information on how to support the Games or get involved, visit AWG2026.org.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paolo Gallina
Manager – Marketing & Sponsorship
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
P: (867) 332-1463
E: paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
AWG2026.org