The Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) has announced Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, 2023 as the rescheduled dates for the Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games.

On March 3, the AWGIC announced that the Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games, scheduled for March 6-12, 2022, would be postponed.

"We can't predict what is going to happen with the pandemic," John Flynn president of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee, told the Star in March. "We don't want to say they are cancelled. We will continue to work with the Wood Buffalo Host Society and the Government of Alberta to see if and when it is possible to get going."

The postponement of the 2022 Games was a proactive response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and followed a comprehensive risk analysis.

Following the postponement announcement, the AWGIC worked in collaboration with the Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games Host Society and participating contingents to secure new dates for the host community.

Flynn said in a press release that it is exciting to have found a date that works for all involved.

"The International Committee engaged in a collaborative process with stakeholders to ensure a rescheduled Games, set against full sport event calendars, active venues and busy teams, was achievable," said Flynn.

"We are extremely delighted to have rescheduled the Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games to a date that accommodates both the host community and Host Society as well as our valued Chefs de Mission from participating units. We truly miss our northern neighbours and look forward to seeing them again in 2023."

Melissa Blake, co-chair, Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games, said they will continue to work to provide a safe environment for athletes, coaches and volunteers.

"The Host Society is excited to welcome the Circumpolar North in 2023 as we continue to serve the community and share the spirit of the Games," said Blake. "We are confident in the planning that has taken place thus far and look forward to providing a safe world class experience here in Wood Buffalo.

"We would like to recognize the continued commitment the Arctic Winter Games International Committee has displayed to our region. It will indeed be our time to shine with the support of our partners, volunteers and our community."

To continue with its commitment to the safety of participants, the AWGIC also confirmed it will increase the maximum number of coaching positions at the 2023 Games.

The additional leadership positions will help enhance participant experience and protect athletes, coaches and cultural delegates from potentially vulnerable situations. A working group will be formed to develop an implementation plan for 2023 and future Safe Sport initiatives.

The rescheduled 2023 dates for the Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo do not affect the current bid cycle for the Matanuska Susitna Borough, Alaska 2024 Arctic Winter Games bid.

The Arctic Winter Games is an international biennial celebration of circumpolar sports and culture taking place in the Wood Buffalo region.

The Games will highlight the region and its culture through the spirit of sport to an international audience and visitors from around the world. The week-long event will see athletes from our own backyard along with international Circumpolar North regions during their time to shine.

Whitehorse was suppose to host the 2020 Arctic Winter Games – also the Games 50th anniversary. They were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.