New dates set for 2023 Arctic Winter Games

The Arctic games set for Wood Buffalo, Alta., has a new date.

The Arctic Winter Games International Committee announced in a news release Tuesday that the event will be held from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, 2023.

The move is a "planned and proactive response" to the COVID-19 pandemic, which postpones the games from March 2022 to the following year.

The postponement means the games can include a full sport event calendar, active venues and busy teams.

"We are extremely delighted to have rescheduled the Wood Buffalo ArcticWinter Games," saidJohn Flynn, AWG's president, in a statement.

"We truly miss our northernneighbours and look forward to seeing them again in 2023."

Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games Co-Chair Melissa Blake said they are confident in the planning and that the upcoming games will be a "safe world-class experience."

"We would like to recognize the continued commitment the ArcticWinter Games International Committee has displayed to our region. It will indeed be our timeto shine with the support of our partners, volunteers and our community," read Blake's statement.

The Arctic Winter Games is held every two years and is an important circumpolar sports and cultural event for youth. Up to 2,000 people participate, with an equal number of volunteers, therelease says.

The rescheduled games will also see an increase to the maximum number of coaching positions.

The new 2023 date does not affectthecurrent bid cycle for the Matanuska Susitna Borough, Alaska 2024 Arctic Winter Games Bid.