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.
Media contact:
Paolo Gallina
Manager – Marketing & Sponsorship
paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
(867) 332-1463