Alberta Sport Connection –  Edmonton… Team Alberta North, 239 athletes, coaches, cultural participants and mission staff, representing 34 Alberta communities north of the 55th parallel, are on their way to the 2016 Arctic Winter Games, 

March 5 – 12, 2016, in Nuuk, Greenland. 

“As the minister responsible for sport in Alberta, I am excited to send off all our athletes, coaches and mission staff to the Arctic Winter Games and I wish them the best of luck,” said Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism. “I know they will make Alberta proud, both in competition and as ambassadors of the passion, sportsmanship and excellence we encourage in our athletes and staff.” 

The Arctic Winter Games are an international sport festival bringing together athletes from Alaska, Greenland, Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavik, Nunavut, Yukon, Yamal (Russia) and Sapmi (Northern Scandinavia). They are known as the “friendly games”, combining competitive and cultural aspects from each participating contingent. 

“These Games are unique blend of sport and culture we are proud to support Team Alberta North and the Arctic Winter Games,” said John Short, Chair of the Alberta Sport Connection. “We wish these talented athletes from northern Alberta all the best in pursuing their athletic goals and know that the unique experience of these “friendly games” will stay with them forever.” 

Team Alberta will be competing in 13 different sports and culture events including: snowshoeing; alpine skiing; biathlon; cross country skiing; hockey; Dene Games; Arctic sports; wrestling and volleyball. For a full list of Arctic Winter Games sports and more information see: Arctic Winter Games. 

Team Alberta North participants have earned the right to represent Alberta through qualifying events held for each sport. For a full list of Team Alberta North athletes, cultural participants and communities represented, please see the HOMETOWN LIST on the Team Alberta North website. 

You can also follow Team Alberta North on Twitter @GoTeamAB , Facebook at TeamAB and on Instagram at goteamab . 

Team Alberta North’s involvement in the Arctic Winter Games is coordinated by Alberta Sport Connection, a non-profit organization, dedicated to the development of sport in Alberta. Its mission is to enhance, advocate and inspire participation and partnerships as Albertans strive for excellence in sport. 

More information on Alberta Sport Connection at: www.albertasport.ca or on Twitter @AlbertaSport_ 

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Media inquiries may be directed to: 

David Hennig Jerry George 

Alberta Sport Connection Chef de Mission, 2016 Arctic Winter Games 

(780) 415-0272 (780) 721-0686 (mobile) (780) 415-9714 

Email: david.hennig@albertasport.ca Email: jerry.george@albertasport.ca