The Government of Yukon is cheering alongside all Yukoners as over 350 athletes, coaches, cultural performers and support personnel head to the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su Valley, Alaska from March 10 to 16.
Athletes and cultural performers from across the Yukon will be representing Team Yukon and their home communities of Dawson, Haines Junction, Carmacks, Carcross, Watson Lake, Ross River, Marsh Lake and Whitehorse. They will be competing in 20 sports and cultural activities throughout the weeklong Games.
Wrestler Leah McLean will lead Team Yukon into the opening ceremonies as the flag bearer.
McLean is a multisport athlete who has represented the Yukon at three major Games in three different sports. McLean earned a silver ulu at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in 65 kilogram wrestling category. At the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, McLean earned a bronze medal in beach volleyball. In her main sport judo, McLean placed fifth at the Canada Winter Games in PEI and earned a silver medal at the 2023 B.C. Provincials.
When she isn’t practising judo herself, you can find McLean on the mats as a volunteer coach for the five- to eight-year-old Little Ninjas.
We are proud to support Team Yukon at the Arctic Winter Games. Whether they hit a personal best, reach a goal or win an ulu, I hope every athlete competing at the Games has a wonderful time and is a great ambassador for the territory. Good luck everyone. I look forward to cheering you on in Mat-Su.
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
The Arctic Winter Games are an opportunity for our Yukon athletes to enjoy sport, compete to the best of their ability, make new friends and experience cultures from across the Arctic. I’d like to thank the coaches, support staff, officials, the 2024 Host Society, and volunteers who make the Arctic Winter Games possible.
Chef de Mission Trevor Twardochleb
From March 10 to 16, Mat-Su, Alaska will welcome close to 2,000 participants for the Games.
The Government of Yukon contributed $585,000 to support Team Yukon’s attendance at the Games. Sport Canada contributes $100,000, and participants pay between $350 to $450 each.
The Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games are taking place on the ancestral land of the Dena’ina’ and Ahtna Dene.
At the 2023 Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo, Alberta, Team Yukon led the medal count, earning 169 ulus.
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
John Tonin
Communications, Community Services
867-334-5816
john.tonin@yukon.ca