Team Nunavut 2016 Arctic Winter Games uniforms unveiled

Nunavutathletes heading to the 2016 Arctic Winter Games will be sporting yellow and red uniforms when they climb the podium. The uniforms were unveiled this afternoon at the Legislative Assembly inIqaluit.

• Team NWT 2016 Arctic Winter Games uniforms get fur-lined hoods

Team Nunavut is sending 180 people to the Games in Nuuk, Greenland next week, including athletes, coaches and cultural performers.

Athlete Jillian Kaviok, drum dancerToomaLaisa,and youth ambassador Robert Ikkidluak presented the ensembles to Premier Peter Taptuna and Community and Government Services Minister Joe Savikataaq.

The uniforms and 2016 commemorative pin set were designed with colours from the Nunavut flag and important symbols of Inuit culture.

"RepresentingNunavutis a big thing for me - I'm so happy I get to wear this - I really love the uniform," saidKaviok,a volleyball player,while sporting the red and yellow uniforms that athletes will wear on the podium.

Kaviokadded that she likes this uniform even more than the one from 2014 when she represented the territory as a wrestler.

"I feel special," saidLaisawhowas modellingthe blue and yellowjacket that will be wornfor the opening ceremonies.

She and six others will be performing a drum dance at the opening ceremony in Nuuk.

"I love to perform.It makes me happy, and when the seven of us are performing we're showing our pride in our territory," addedLaisa.

For Ikkidluak,the green youth ambassadoruniform is a symbol of community.

"It feels awesome.I get to represent Nunavut and work with youth," saidIkkidluak, who adds that being part of team Nunavut as a volunteer makes him feel even more excited about the games.

"We are extremely proud of our Team Nunavut participants, and wish them luck as they represent us on the world stage at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games," said Taptuna.

In addition to the uniform, the Arctic Winter Games pin set wasunveiled.

"The design of the pin is an integral part of our lifestyle," said Joe Savikataaq,Nunavut'sMinister of Community and Government Services.

"The pin set, once fully assembled, makes a carver.This represents a strong part of our culture and the cultural aspects of the Arctic Winter Games."

Team Nunavut's flag bearer this year is Shelby Angalik, a wrestler from Arviat.

The 2016 Arctic Winter Games are being held in Greenland March 6 to 11. Bantam male and junior female hockey competitions will take place in Iqaluit.