Nomeites participated at Arctic Winter Games

The 2024 Arctic Winter Games took place in Mat-Su Valley March 10-16. It’s a biennial event that brings Arctic nations together in competition and celebration of cultures that make up the circumpolar region.

Nome was represented by Parker Kenick and Alohna Johnson and Marjorie Tahbone, who coached Alaskans for the Dene games.

“It was nice being on home territory and having family members come watch,” Tahbone said.

The Dene team is made up of people from all over Alaska and the main practices for the events take place at the games, Tahbone said.

Alohna Johnson participated in the Dene games and won second place in her age group for the Pole Push and third in her group for the Stick Pull. Johnson said the games are a great opportunity to befriend participants and learn from their experience.

“Other athletes encouraged me and helped me with things to improve on which I definitely did because of their help,” Johnson said.

The games go beyond competition, providing an opportunity for athletes to connect across continents. Kenick said the best part of his experience this year was seeing old international friends and getting the chance to show them Alaska.

Kenick earned five medals, three of them gold. His favorite is the Alaskan High Kick which he’s practiced for over a decade. As a longtime participant in the games, Kenick finds them to be more than pushing yourself to achieve a physical goal.

“The games aren’t really made for medals, they’re to strengthen our relationships with each other and our community,” Kenick told the Nugget.