Archway sports reporting brings you the latest updates from northern competition circuits. The Arctic Winter Games international organization confirmed Friday that Whitehorse will feature archery and freestyle skiing as official events on its sports schedule.
Whitehorse Prepares Facilities for New Additions
The Arctic Winter Games international organization announced Friday that Whitehorse will host archery and freestyle skiing during the competition. Organizers selected both sports specifically to utilize existing local infrastructure in the Yukon capital, including Mont Sima, which regularly hosts freestyle skiing events. Several participating delegations already practice both disciplines, particularly archery.
The Arctic Winter Games 2026 wrap up in Whitehorse with a Closing Ceremony you won’t want to miss. A week of sport, culture, and northern pride all culminating in one unforgettable celebration. What was your favorite moment in the Arctic Winter Games 2026? #AWG2026📸William… pic.twitter.com/dfICoDzmmh
Archery competition will feature three distinct divisions: traditional archery, Olympic recurve with sights, and compound archery. Organizers structured the compound category with the hope of attracting young hunters. Gaël Marchand, executive director of the Aboriginal Sports Circle, noted that the inclusion fills a gap for precision sports in the games following the earlier removal of rifle shooting.
“It allows young people who do not necessarily have the profile of a volleyball player or a hockey player to participate,” Marchand said, pointing to the different temperaments and athletic experiences these events introduce.
Yukon Freestyle Skiing Targets Local Growth
Lynda Harlow, president of Yukon Freestyle Ski, described the inclusion of freestyle skiing as a genuinely positive turning point. Approximately 40 athletes train in the discipline in the territory, supplemented by roughly 20 participants registered in winter and spring camps.
“Many young people don’t have the opportunity to travel, so this is an opportunity for them to train for an event that will take place here and set a two-year goal,” Harlow said.
The international committee governing the Arctic Winter Games maintains a policy of adding specific disciplines that hold significance for host regions. These events will not be part of the program for the Arctic Winter Games scheduled for the Northwest Territories in March.
Keep reading
