Community rallies as regional competition restarts
Chesterfield Inlet is hosting the Kivalliq Summer Games this week, marking the first time the regional competition has taken place in 12 years. The four-day event draws athletes, volunteers and spectators from across the Kivalliq region to compete in a programme centred on Arctic sports and traditional strength events.
Organizers say the return is a deliberate effort to re-establish a local pathway that fosters sport, culture and healthy competition for Nunavut athletes. The roster includes participants from Arviat, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet and the host community, with athletes split into junior (under-18) and senior (18-plus) categories.
“This is a resurrection of the Games,”
The comment came from Russell Mullins, the hamlet’s recreation co‑ordinator and one of the lead organisers. He described the revival as the result of ongoing discussions about how Nunavut can better support its athletes and strengthen its presence in larger multi‑jurisdictional competitions.
Who is competing and what to expect
A total of 26 competitors will take part in events over the four days, with 17 men and 9 women registered. Athletes’ ages range from 12 to 34. For many of the Chesterfield Inlet entrants, this is their first time competing at a regional gathering.
- Number of athletes: 26
- Communities represented: 4 (Arviat, Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet)
- Event venue: Victor Sammurtok School gym (indoor events); walrus pull outdoors
Events will feature a selection of Arctic sports familiar to communities across Inuit Nunangat: strength competitions such as the arm pull, four‑man carry and knuckle hop, together with kicking events that test agility and flexibility, including the two‑foot, one‑foot and Alaskan high kicks. Most competitions will be staged in the school gym, while the physically demanding walrus pull is set up outside.
Local effort and regional ambitions
The push to bring the Games back began with conversations earlier this year between Mullins and staff from the Nunavut Sport Federation during the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse. They discussed how other jurisdictions maintain local competitions that help athletes sharpen skills and gain experience before larger events.
“We just realised that we are severely outgunned by all the other territories,” Mullins said, reflecting on Nunavut’s standing in inter‑territorial sport. The intent is to give local athletes more opportunities to compete and prepare for higher levels of competition.
Volunteers from the host community have rallied to support logistics, scorekeeping and hospitality. Residents Glen Brocklebank and Ana Leishman are among those lending time; their daughter, Ivalu Leishman‑Brocklebank, 17, will compete across several events. Community involvement is key to staging the Games in small hamlets where facilities are modest and event staffing relies heavily on unpaid help.
Format, judging and safety
Judging in the strength events will generally use best‑of‑three rounds to determine winners. Kicking events will be measured by the height reached, with targets raised by approximately 7.5 centimetres during progression. Organizers emphasise safety and proper warm‑up routines given the physical intensity of several competitions.
| Event type | Location |
|---|---|
| Arctic strength events (arm pull, knuckle hop, four‑man carry) | Victor Sammurtok School gym |
| Walrus pull | Outdoor area, Chesterfield Inlet |
Organizers hope the Games will not only crown regional champions but also rebuild momentum for more regular competitions across the Kivalliq. Those efforts could help develop athletes who can represent Nunavut in national and circumpolar events.
What the restart means for youth and culture
Beyond medals, the Games are being framed as a cultural and social opportunity. Participants get a chance to practise skills rooted in traditional Inuit activity and to connect with peers from neighbouring communities. For younger competitors, the event offers exposure to structured competition and the chance to learn from more experienced athletes and volunteer coaches.
If the resurrection proves sustainable, local sports leaders say it could inspire similar revivals elsewhere in Nunavut — and strengthen ties between sport, culture and community wellness across the territory.
Events run from Thursday to Sunday, with family and spectators welcome to attend. Results and photo coverage will be shared by organisers and regional sport partners as the competition proceeds.
