Yellowknife’s very own Table Tennis prodigy, Kathleen Cai, made waves in the community as she was featured in Table Tennis Canada’s Women in Table Tennis campaign on Wednesday, March 27th. The talented Team NT athlete captivated audiences with her insights, challenges, and love for the sport in a series of social media posts and a video interview.

In her responses, Kathleen shared the challenges she faces as a young athlete, offered valuable advice, and expressed her deep passion for Table Tennis. Her thoughtful and inspiring answers resonated with fans and fellow players alike, showcasing her maturity and dedication to the sport at just 12 years old.

During the video interview, Kathleen discussed her efforts to introduce her friends to the sport and highlighted the joy and fulfillment she derives from playing table tennis. Her enthusiasm and genuine love for the game were evident as she shared her experiences and insights, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the table tennis world.

Kathleen’s exceptional skills and dedication were on full display at the recent Arctic Winter Games in Alaska, held from March 10-16. The young athlete’s impressive performance saw her bring home three Ulu’s, including a Gold medal in Juvenile Female Doubles, a Silver medal in Juvenile Mixed Doubles, and a Bronze medal in Juvenile Female Singles. Her remarkable achievements at the Games underscored her talent, hard work, and competitive spirit, earning her well-deserved recognition and admiration from her peers and supporters.

As Kathleen continues to excel and make her mark in the world of Table Tennis, she serves as a shining example of sportsmanship, positivity, and dedication both on and off the table. Her infectious smile, passion for the sport, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a true role model for aspiring athletes and a source of inspiration for the Table Tennis community.

Table Tennis Canada Facebook

Table Tennis Canada Instagram

With her bright future ahead and a string of impressive accomplishments already under her belt, Kathleen Cai is poised to achieve even greater success and make a lasting impact in the world of table tennis. We eagerly anticipate witnessing her continued growth, achievements, and positive influence as she continues to shine brightly in the sport she loves.

KathleenCai #TableTennisCanada #WomenInTableTennis #ArcticWinterGames #TeamNT #YouthAthlete #RoleModel #Sportsmanship #TableTennisCommunity

The Snowking’s Winter Festival in Yellowknife was abuzz with excitement as Table Tennis enthusiasts and visitors of all ages gathered to enjoy a day of friendly competition and fun at the festival grounds. The Table Tennis team from Arctic Winter Games Team NT made a special appearance, showcasing their skills and engaging with attendees in spirited matches that captivated the crowd and added to the festive atmosphere.

“We had an amazing time at this year’s Festival,” said Thorsten Gohl, Executive Director Table Tennis North. “Setting up several table tennis tables and playing with the visitors of the castle was a highlight for both players and spectators alike. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together through the joy of Table Tennis.”

The Arctic Winter Games Team NT athletes were on hand to demonstrate their prowess on the table, inviting festival-goers to challenge them in friendly matches and showcasing their skills with finesse and flair. From intense rallies to lighthearted games, the athletes engaged with participants of all skill levels, spreading the joy of table tennis and fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among attendees.

“We were thrilled to have our athletes from Team NT join us at the Snowking’s Winter Festival,” Roland Laufer from the Yellowknife Table Tennis Club. “Their enthusiasm, talent, and sportsmanship were truly inspiring, and they brought a dynamic energy to the event that resonated with everyone who participated. We are already looking forward to next year’s festival and the opportunity to continue sharing the excitement of Table Tennis with the community.”

With the success of this year’s Table Tennis showcase at the Snowking’s Winter Festival, anticipation is high for the next edition of the event. As the Arctic Winter Games Team NT athletes continue to inspire and engage with the community through their passion for the sport, the future looks bright for table tennis in Yellowknife and beyond.

TableTennis #SnowkingsWinterFestival #ArcticWinterGames #TeamNT #CommunityEngagement #Sportsmanship #Camaraderie #YellowknifeEvents

Image: Vital, Brenna Neil (she/her) Service Canada, Dallas,

The journey to the 2024 Arctic Winter Games for Team NT Table Tennis athletes has been made possible through the collective efforts and support of various individuals and organizations. The successful acquisition of passports for the athletes, a crucial step in their participation at the games, was a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the community.

A heartwarming moment unfolded at the MP’s office on Friday, just before the athletes were set to depart for the games on Saturday. The athletes, accompanied by their team officials, were greeted with smiles and warm welcomes as they received their passports, ensuring that all necessary documentation was in place for their journey to Alaska.

The athletes eagerly signed their passports, filled with excitement and anticipation at the realization that they would now be able to represent Team NT at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games. The support and assistance provided by various individuals and organizations in facilitating this process did not go unnoticed, and the athletes expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to compete on a larger stage.

A message of appreciation was extended to all those involved in making this milestone possible. From Sport North to the MP’s office, Service Canada, community members, and everyone who played a role in supporting the athletes, their families, and the team, a collective effort was acknowledged and celebrated.

Dallas and Vital signing their passports in the MP Michael McLeod’s office.

As the athletes prepare to showcase their skills and sportsmanship at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games, the sense of unity and camaraderie within the Team NT Table Tennis community shines brightly. The journey to the games has been marked by teamwork, perseverance, and unwavering support, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship and community pride.

#TeamNTTableTennis #ArcticWinterGames2024 #CommunitySupport #Gratitude #TeamSpirit #Unity

Coaches representing the Table Tennis and Hockey teams at the Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife are making a powerful statement by proudly wearing gender pronouns pins on their uniforms. The pins, which display preferred gender pronouns such as “he/him,” “she/her,” or “they/them,” serve as a visible symbol of inclusivity and a commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all athletes and participants.

“It’s so great to see the pin on our coaches’ uniforms,” we hear back from some of the participants. “They are role modeling inclusivity and opening up the barriers for identifying. It’s a small gesture that carries a big message of acceptance and respect for individuals of all gender identities.”

The gender pronouns pins have become a meaningful and impactful addition to the coaches’ uniforms, sparking conversations and raising awareness about the importance of recognizing and honoring individuals’ gender identities. By wearing these pins, the coaches are sending a clear message of support and solidarity.

The initiative to introduce gender pronouns pins at the Arctic Winter Games reflects a broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports. By acknowledging and affirming individuals’ gender identities, the coaches are helping to create a more inclusive and affirming environment where all participants feel valued, respected, and accepted for who they are.

To learn more about the significance of the gender pronouns pins and the impact they are making at the Arctic Winter Games, visit HERE. Join us in celebrating and promoting inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance in sports, one pin at a time.

GenderPronounsPins #Inclusivity #ArcticWinterGames #RoleModeling #DiversityandInclusion #Acceptance #Respect

Akiko’s dedication to fair play and sportsmanship shines through in her every action on and off the field. Her positive energy and unwavering support for her own athletes are truly commendable, but what sets her apart is her willingness to be a pillar of support for other athletes and coaches as well. Akiko’s positive attitude towards not only her own team but also her opponents is a testament to her character and integrity. It is no surprise that she has been recognized with the Fair Play pin, as she embodies the true spirit of sportsmanship in every aspect of her athletic endeavours.

Sending a huge, biggest ever, massive thank you to our coach Akiko for being her wonderful self and supporting our Team NT athletes at the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games!!! Her positivity, support, and excitement for our athletes and opponents make us truly lucky to have her. #TeamNT #ArcticWinterGames #GratefulCoach

The 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Alaska came to a thrilling conclusion, with Team NT Table Tennis not only enjoying a memorable experience in the picturesque setting but also bringing home a collection of well-deserved medals. The team’s outstanding performances and sportsmanship were on full display, earning them accolades and recognition for their achievements.

Among the highlights of Team NT’s success at the games were the following medal wins:

• Gold: Karissa and Kathleen in the Female Juvenile Double category
• Silver: Kathleen and Carter in the Mixed Juvenile Team category, and Nikhilesh in the Male Junior Single category
• Bronze: Kathleen in the Female Juvenile Single category

In addition to their medal wins, Team NT Table Tennis was also honored with Fair Play pins, recognizing the exemplary team culture and sportsmanship displayed by Karissa, Ava, Coach Akiko, and Nikhilesh throughout the competition. Their commitment to fair play, respect, and teamwork exemplified the values that Team NT Table Tennis embodies, earning them praise and admiration from fellow competitors and officials.

Looking ahead, the future looks bright for these talented athletes, with the potential for even greater achievements and successes on the horizon. The dedication, skill, and camaraderie demonstrated by Team NT Table Tennis at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games serve as a testament to their passion for the sport and their commitment to excellence.

For more information on Team NT Table Tennis and their journey at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games, visit here: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/2024-arctic-winter-games-2

TeamNTTableTennis #ArcticWinterGames2024 #MedalWinners #FairPlay #TeamCulture #FutureSuccess

In a proactive move towards fostering inclusivity and creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants, we are proud to announce our commitment to using inclusive language in all our communications. Recognizing that pronouns are an integral part of someone’s gender expression and identity, we understand the importance of respecting and acknowledging individuals for who they authentically are.

As coaches, mentors, and role models, the language we use and the questions we ask play a significant role in shaping the experiences of those in our programs. We believe that by embracing inclusive language practices, we can enhance the quality of interactions and create a more supportive and inclusive sport environment for all.

In line with our commitment to inclusivity, our coaches at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games will be wearing specially crafted Gender Pronouns pins. These unique pins feature pronouns burned into wood sourced from birch trees native to the Northwest Territories, symbolizing our connection to the region and our dedication to promoting inclusivity in sport. The birch wood used in the pins has been carefully dried for two years, reflecting the time and care invested in creating these meaningful symbols of respect and acceptance.

This initiative is just one of the many steps we are taking towards fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity in sport. By wearing these Gender Pronouns pins, our coaches aim to show their support for gender diversity and create a more inclusive and affirming space for all participants at the Arctic Winter Games.

We invite all participants, supporters, and stakeholders to join us in championing inclusivity and celebrating the diversity that enriches our sporting community. Together, let us continue to strive for a more inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

Join us in this important journey towards inclusion in sport, and let’s make the 2024 Arctic Winter Games a truly inclusive and affirming experience for all. Together, we can create positive change and build a more inclusive future for sports and beyond.

Get ready to dive into the excitement of the Arctic Winter Games!!! From cheering on your favorite athletes to exploring Alaska and following the live stream, this page has everything you need. Bookmark now for the latest updates and more! #ArcticWinterGames #AlaskaAdventures #weareallteamnt

RESULTS – Visit this site for up to date medal standings and results. 

LIVE STREAM – Enjoy free access to the live stream and show your support from afar. Let’s make some noise for our champions!

2024 Mat Su Arctic Winter Games
Website: https://www.awg2024.org/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@awg2024 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awg2024/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWG2024 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/awg2024 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzCU-QiJSw0txQnAWJggmVw 

@awg2024 #awg2024 #riseup #flynorth #risingstrong

ULU NEWS – Stay informed with Ulu News, your go-to source for all things Arctic Winter Games.

SPORTS – From alpine skiing to wresling, all the thrilling sports of the Arctic Winter Games are right here on display.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS – Stay in the loop and never miss an event at the Arctic Winter Games.

SPORT SCHEDULE – This schedule is packed with thrilling sporting events at the Arctic Winter Games! Get ready for an amazing week of competition and camaraderie.

TICKETS – Find your tickets now and experience the ultimate winter sports extravaganza.

The animal ambassador for the games is the Chickadee. It will serve as the animal ambassador for the 2024 Mat-Su Arctic Winter Games. After a collaborative process with robust community input, as the Host Society we’ve opted out of the typical sports “mascot” program in favor of a new, more reverent representation of our animal and the spirit of the Games.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – We would like to acknowledge that the Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games are taking place on the ancestral land of the Dena’ina and Ahtna Dene who have stewarded this area of Benteh and Nuutah for thousands of years. Our community thrives thanks to their continued sharing of vision, wisdom, values, and leadership. We offer our respect to their Elders past and present and to current Tribal leaders.

THE MAT-SU VALLEY – A map of the Mat-Su Valley, including all events and sports. 

The spirit of camaraderie and inspiration knows no bounds as Canadian National Team athlete Ivy Liao shares a heartfelt message with athletes gearing up for the 2024 Arctic Winter Games. Despite being miles away in Busan at the World Team Table Tennis Championships, Ivy Liao’s words of encouragement and support resonate with the athletes preparing to represent their regions at the upcoming games. As a member of the Canadian National Team, Ivy Liao embodies the spirit of excellence and determination, serving as a role model for aspiring athletes and a source of inspiration for all.

As athletes from across the Northwest Territories prepare to showcase their skills and sportsmanship at the Arctic Winter Games, Ivy’s message serves as a beacon of motivation and encouragement. The 2024 Arctic Winter Games are not just a platform for competition but also a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the unwavering spirit of athletes from diverse backgrounds.

As we look forward to the 2024 Arctic Winter Games, let us carry Ivy’s message in our hearts and minds, drawing inspiration from her words and embodying the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence in all our endeavours.

TeamSpirit #ArcticWinterGames2024 #TableTennisCanada #TeamCanada #Inspiration

We are thrilled to welcome back esteemed coach Steve Rowe, who played a pivotal role in the success of Team NT during the 2018 and 2020 Arctic Winter Games. Steve’s return marks an exciting development as he joins the team in preparing for the upcoming 2024 Arctic Winter Games. 

Steve will lend his expertise and experience to assist in the preparation of Team NT, ensuring they are ready to compete at their best in the highly anticipated Arctic Winter Games. His guidance and mentorship will be invaluable in helping the athletes reach their full potential and showcase their skills on the international stage.

In addition to his involvement with Team NT, he will also contribute to the development of Table Tennis Festivals and the Community Sport for All Initiative across all regions of the Northwest Territories. These initiatives aim to promote inclusivity, active participation, and community engagement in sports throughout the territory.

Recognizing the importance of virtual programs in the current landscape, Steve will play a key role in building a virtual training program for NWT athletes. This program will provide athletes with the necessary resources and support to continue their training and development, even in the absence of in-person events and competitions.

Furthermore, he will actively support the Freestyle Ping Pong Challenge, an exciting event that encourages creativity and innovation in table tennis. This unique challenge pushes the boundaries of traditional table tennis and showcases the versatility and skill of the athletes. His involvement extends beyond the competitive realm as he contributes to building the School Program and Coach Development initiatives. By sharing his knowledge and expertise with coaches and educators, he aims to enhance the overall sporting experience for young athletes in the Northwest Territories.

Expressing his excitement about returning to the NWT, Steve stated, “I am thrilled to be back in the Northwest Territories and to have the opportunity to work with such talented athletes and dedicated coaches. Together, we will strive for excellence and create a positive impact in the sporting community.”

The NWT eagerly anticipates the incredible developments that will unfold under Steve Rowe’s guidance and expertise. With his return, the stage is set for a remarkable year of sporting achievements and community engagement.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress and accomplishments of Team NT and the exciting initiatives led by Steve Rowe. The Northwest Territories is poised to witness extraordinary feats in the world of sports.