CALGARY, Alberta, March 13, 2002 — "Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is proud to be the official housing sponsor of the athlete's village at the 17th Arctic Winter Games," Elizabeth Huculak, General Manager, Prairie, Nunavut and Northwest Territories for CMHC announced today.
"The Arctic Winter Games is a wonderful forum for sport and camaraderie for youth of the circumpolar north," said Huculak. "The games are a true reflection of the spirit of Canada's northern population. CMHC is proud to have contributed to the success of these games by ensuring the athlete's are well housed."
CMHC's $190,000 sponsorship contribution was used to upgrade the Arctic College Ulkivik Residence in Iqaluit which will be the athlete's, 'home away from home' during the games. Following the games, CMHC, in partnership with the Government of Nunavut, will conduct a study to determine the long-term potential of the facility.
"CMHC's sponsorship of the athlete's village demonstrates our continuing commitment to supporting affordable and sustainable community housing solutions in the North. I'm sure the residence will be put to good use following the Games."
The Arctic Winter Games, a biennial, multinational, multicultural and multisport event, will attract more than 2,000 participants from circumpolar communities in Canada, Greenland, Russia and the State of Alaska. This year's events will be divided between the two host communities of Iqaluit, Nunavut and Nuuk, Greenland.
The Arctic Winter Games, first staged in Yellowknife in 1970, has evolved to feature a dynamic program that showcases the unique talents of northern athletes, performers and artists. Sporting events will include: alpine and cross country skiing; snow boarding; snow shoeing; hockey; curling; dog mushing; speed skating; Dene games and; indoor events such as basketball, soccer, volleyball and wrestling. Various cultural performances will also take place during the games.
The games will be held March 17 - 23, 2002 with opening ceremonies Sunday, March 17 at 11:45 in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
For further information please contact:
Kellea Cole
CMHC
(403) 515-3020