After a 12-year break, the Kivalliq Summer Games made a comeback in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, over the weekend. Athletes competed in various Arctic Sports disciplines like the one-foot high kick, arm pull, and head pull.

Russell Mullins, the recreation coordinator of the hamlet, initiated the revival of the games following his coaching experience at this year’s Arctic Winter Games (AWG). Mullins observed the heightened competition in Arctic Sports from other regions and aimed to kickstart Nunavut’s competitive spirit, starting at a regional level.

During the recent event, 26 athletes participated, with the youngest contender aged 12. The Chesterfield Inlet team had been training for over a month and a half, eagerly anticipating the games. Mullins noted the excitement among junior athletes, especially for events like the head pull and arm pull, which they had not previously been able to participate in.

The Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) sponsored the games, emphasizing the significance of sports in uniting athletes from Kivalliq communities. Art Sateana, the acting communications manager, highlighted the community-building aspect of sports in small communities, commending the talent, dedication, and teamwork showcased during the games.

Acknowledging the challenges of event coordination and associated costs that led to the hiatus of the games, Sateana echoed Mullins’ sentiment that the recent AWG reignited interest in such events. Both expressed satisfaction at the resurgence of the games.

The NU Sport Board, in an email statement, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with KIA and Kivalliq communities to enhance the games further each year. They view this year as a starting point and aspire to elevate the games to their former status, believing in the potential to strengthen them in the future.