Arctic Winter Games committee considers reducing games to every 3 years to cut costs

The Arctic Winter Games is undergoing a broad review of what changes to make to the games moving forward. That includes whether to make the games less frequent, age categories and number of competitors per sport.

One of many options being considered in a study looking at the future of the games

Natalie Pressman · CBC News · Posted: Mar 16, 2024 4:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: March 16

Kids in indoor gym playing with big beach balls — The N.W.T. futsal team at 2024 Arctic Winter Games (AWG). The AWG is undergoing a broad review of what changes to make to the games moving forward. That includes whether to make the games less frequent, age categories and number of competitors per sport. (Peter Sheldon/CBC)

The president of the Arctic Winter Games international committee says they're looking into how they can make the games more sustainable.

The 2024 Mat-Su Valley games come with an $11 million price tag. The 2023 games in Wood Buffalo exceeded $13 million and last year the City of Yellowknife declined to host the 2026 games because of the cost. Those games will now be held in Whitehorse.

John Rodda, president of the AWG international committee, says organization Sport for Life is reviewing the AWG to see what can be changed to ensure the continued success of the games.

Part of that work is looking into whether the games should move to a three-year cycle, rather than its current system of being held every two years.

"It's a balance," Rodda said. "We have to figure out what works and what doesn't work."

He said that change could mean that some athletes wanting to compete would miss their chance with the three year cycle.

Man in vest looks at camera. — John Rodda, president of the AWG international committee, says they have to consult with everyone before making any changes. (Cheryl Kawaja/CBC)

Brendan Hanley, Yukon's MP, said that while the price tag can be a challenge, to him, it's a worthwhile cost.

"There are so many values that even with the real escalating costs that there are, I think this is like laying down kind of mental health and physical health infrastructure," he said, adding he'd love to see it continue to be held every two years.

"[But] if this is the way that we need to be able to make it sustainable … then maybe that is a compromise to make," he said.

The Sport for Life review is also looking at age groups, number of competitors per sport and if there is opportunity for growth.

"It's all on the table right now," said Les Skinner, the N.W.T. director with the AWG international committee.

Skinner said that he would hate to see the games downsize.

"I think these games are really important to the people of the circumpolar North and northern Alberta, especially the cultural and social aspect of it."

Skinner said the report should be done by the summer.

Once the committee sees the completed report, they'll consult with the delegations, the chef de mission and the governments, which ultimately foot the bill for the AWG.

The international committee makes the final decision on changes.