Michael Jay Joins the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games as Official Ambassador
After much anticipation and a series of mysterious sightings across town, the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is excited to officially introduce Michael Jay – the Roving Reporter – as the ambassador for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games!
Michael Jay’s arrival was highly anticipated, with social media buzzing over blurry photos and hints of a special visitor leading up to his official debut. On March 8th, exactly one year from the start of the Games, Michael Jay was formally introduced through a fun video where he hung out at a local outdoor ice rink with sports reporter George Maratos, eager to learn all about the Games and the excitement building in the community.
What’s Next for Michael Jay?
As the Roving Reporter of the Arctic Winter Games, Michael Jay will be on assignment—meeting athletes, volunteers, and community members, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and helping to bring the spirit of the Games to life. He will interview key figures, and provide an engaging way for fans of all ages to learn about AWG 2026.
Michael Jay is a character from Northern Tails TV, an innovative Yukon-based children’s television series that fosters curiosity and learning through traditional storytelling and puppetry. The show, developed by Shot in the Dark Productions and creator Kelly Milner, uses hand-crafted puppetry and real-world exploration to introduce children to northern stories, cultures, and ways of life. The partnership with Whitehorse 2026 AWG provides a unique opportunity to merge education, entertainment, and sport, all while staying true to the spirit of the Games.
“We are elated to have Michael Jay as the official ambassador for the Arctic Winter Games,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 AWG Host Society. “Michael Jay brings a sense of fun and adventure that aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Games. A huge thank you to Kelly Milner and the talented team at Shot in the Dark Productions for bringing this to life—we can’t wait to see all the places Michael Jay will go!”
For Kelly Milner, this partnership is about more than just promoting the Games—it’s about creating a meaningful learning experience through storytelling.
“Michael Jay and Northern Tails TV provide a way for children and families to explore the North in a fun, creative way,” said Milner. “In a world where artificial intelligence is becoming more common in entertainment, this project reminds us of the magic of traditional storytelling, hands-on puppetry, and character-driven learning. It’s about celebrating real stories, real places, and real experiences—something that makes this collaboration with AWG so exciting.”
Meet Michael Jay!
"Hello friends! I’m Michael Jay, your ambassador for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games. While my natural home is the northern woods, I like to drop in on the hustle and bustle of urban life to learn what people do for fun during our long, beautiful winters. And the Games are a great place to see it all in action! I’ll be on location to bring you the scoop from athletes, spectators, and all the welcoming folks in Whitehorse, the host city of the 2026 Games.
Don’t worry! I won’t pinch your pins. I’m more of a boots and gloves (and probably skates) kind of character. Let’s hang out and learn about the Games and what makes the North a special place together!”
Stay tuned for more updates from Michael Jay as he explores the road to AWG 2026!
About the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) will take place from March 8-15, 2026, in Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. The Games will bring together over 2,000 athletes, coaches, and cultural performers from across the circumpolar North, celebrating both sporting excellence and northern cultural traditions.
Founded in 1969, the Arctic Winter Games provide young northern athletes with a high-level competition platform, while also showcasing Arctic culture, heritage, and community spirit. Participating regions include Yukon, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, Nunavik, Northwest Territories, Alaska, Greenland, and Sápmi (Northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway). In addition to competitive sports, the Games feature traditional Arctic events, such as the One-Foot High Kick and Knuckle Hop, alongside a vibrant cultural program highlighting artists and performers from across the North.
This will mark the seventh time Whitehorse has hosted the Arctic Winter Games, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in northern sport and cultural celebration.
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games are made possible through the generous support of our funding partners: the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon, the City of Whitehorse, and Lotteries Yukon.
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
other Recent updates
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
Winner Announced for the Arctic Winter Games 50/50 Raffle Draw!
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is excited to announce the winner of our second 50/50 raffle draw — Melanie Bougen, with ticket number 10742 E!
With 10,000 tickets sold, this raffle raised an incredible $11,545, meaning Melanie takes home $5,772.50 and the remaining proceeds will go directly toward supporting the upcoming Games.
Funds raised help support key areas of Games operations, including signage, cultural programming, participant transportation, and security — all essential to creating an unforgettable experience for athletes, spectators, and volunteers in 2026.
“On behalf of the 2026 Host Society, I want to thank everyone who purchased tickets,” said Megan Cromarty, General Manager of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games. “Your support helps us bring the Games to life.”
Congratulations once again to Melanie, and thank you to everyone who participated!
🔹 Event Dates: March 8–15, 2026
🔹 Learn more: awg2026.org
🔹 Follow along: @Whitehorse2026
Yukon Your Way Discount Platform is Live!
Maximize Your Stay with Yukon Your Way 2026
Make the most of your Arctic Winter Games experience with Yukon Your Way, an exclusive discount program designed just for visitors. Enjoy special rates on hotels, dining, tours, and attractions that showcase the best of the Yukon’s wilderness, culture, and community. Whether you’re booking a cozy stay, sampling local flavours, or heading out on an unforgettable adventure, these offers make your trip easier and more affordable. Browse the deals, grab your discount codes, and start planning your journey—your adventure, your Yukon.
Explore Yukon Your Way and book now: https://www.sportyukon.com/yukon-your-way-2026arctics
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
