The Host Organization
The host organization is the non-profit body usually incorporated as a Society which is created for the purpose of staging a particular set of Games. Traditionally, it is brought into existence shortly after a community is awarded the Games and is dissolved within six months of their conclusion. Typically, the Host Society will have as many as fifteen directors and between one thousand and two thousand volunteers as well as a number of salaried employees. The Host Society stages the Games in accordance with the terms of the contract signed by the Host Community and the Arctic Winter Games International Committee.
Funding the Arctic Winter Games
The Arctic Winter Games International Committee is funded by annual levy to the five Governments having representatives on the Board of Directors, namely, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Alaska, Alberta and Greenland.
In the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon and Alberta, Host Societies receive substantial cash grants from the Government of Canada, Territorial/Provincial Governments and the host municipalities. The latter two also provide substantial donations in kind. In Alaska, funding is largely provided by the State and the municipal/borough Governments. Greenland's participation is funded by the Home Rule Government of Greenland through the Greenland Sports Federation. In all jurisdictions private sector donations are both very significant and increasingly important.
The Sports
In 2000 there will be nineteen different sporting events in the Games. The Committee tries to select sports with a unique northern flavour. Other considerations include where there is wide participation within the various units, or if it is a sport with the potential for development.
Current list of sports include:
- Arctic Sports (Traditional Inuit and Dene Games)
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Alpine Skiing
- Hockey (includes women's hockey)
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Curling
- Dog Mushing
- Figure Skating
- Gymnastics
- Indoor Soccer
- Short Track Speedskating
- Ski Biathlon
- Snowshoe Biathlon
- Snowshoeing
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Arts & Culture
In addition to the sport contingent, each participating unit brings a small cultural group of performing artists to the Games. Displays of visual arts and crafts are also shown portraying the north's varied and unique culture. The Host Society also develops an impressive cultural program which runs the entire week of the Games and culminates in a spectacular cultural gala.