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Sunday 05.02.2012

AWG start in Grande Prairie, Alberta

Athletes are coming from Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, northern Alberta, northern Quebec, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia and Russia to compete in 21 indoor and outdoor sporting events, including cross-country skiing, soccer, gymnastics, hockey as well as traditional indigenous games.

Athletes from Nunavik gather in Kuujjuaq March 6 before they head off to the Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie, Alberta.



Organizers of the 21st Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie were getting ready Friday to welcome thousands of young athletes from around the circumpolar North, reports CBC News.

More than 2,000 athletes, coaches and fans are expected to descend on the northern Alberta city of 47,000 for the week-long games, which kick off Sunday with opening ceremonies.

Contingents are coming from the Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, northern Alberta, northern Quebec, Alaska, Greenland, Scandinavia and Russia.

Over the next week, athletes will compete in 21 indoor and outdoor sporting events, including cross-country skiing, soccer, gymnastics, hockey as well as traditional indigenous games.

Each contingent will also include cultural performers, who will share music, art and food from their respective regions.

Since 1970, the Arctic Winter Games have taken place every two years in a northern city. Yellowknife was host in 2008, and Whitehorse will be host in 2012. Previous games have also been held in Alaska and Greenland.