After a week of being immersed in culture and athletics, the 2,000 participating athletes, along with hundreds of fans and volunteers, gathered at the Canada Games Centre on Saturday night for the AWG closing ceremonies.

Those in attendance were treated to cultural performances and words of encouragement from special guest and Canadian paralympian, Rick Hansen.

Hansen became "the man in motion” after he embarked on an ambitious 26-month trek across 34 countries and four continents to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries and people with disabilities.

Hansen first made an appearance at the AWG earlier in the day when he dropped the ceremonial puck in the midget boy's hockey final between Team Yukon and Team N.W.T.

When he came across the stage on Saturday night, he was greeted by a chorus of cheers.

"These games have had unbelievable moments, with each and everyone of you displaying your diversity and the places you come from,” he told the crowd.

"You were able to come together to show that this world is a great place to live.”

Hansen highlighted the Games as a unique experience made possible due to the efforts and organization of others. He encouraged the athletes to learn from that kindness and ambition and carry it in their own lives.

"You have all benefited from your families, communities and coaches,” he said.

"You've had the chance to have the experience of a lifetime and know the difference it makes when someone cares about what you do.

"You have a chance now to take this experience and pay it forward, to make a difference, to change the world one small step at a time.”

Shortly after Hansen left the stage, Gerry Thick, president of the AWG International Committee announced Team Nunavut as the winners of the 2012 Hodgson Trophy.

The prestigious award is given to the team that exemplifies fairy play and team spirit, cornerstone themes of the AWG.

It was the fourth time, in the 22-year history of Games, which Nunavut has been awarded with the recognition.

At the end of the week, Team Alaska led each of the contingents with 190 ulus, they were followed by Team Yukon who captured 122.

Rounding out the field were N.W.T with 116, Alberta North 104, Yamal (Russia) 101, Greenland and Nunavut tied with 50 ulus each while Nunavik-Quebec earned 36 and Sapmi (Scandanvia) took home 13.

"Since you all touched down on the tarmac a week ago, its been our pleasure to host you all in what's been an unforgettable experience,” Thick told the crowd.

The official flag of the Games was then lowered and passed among those on the floor before eventually reaching the stage.

"It has been a pleasure to reunite and welcome new members into the AWG family,” said Thick. "I encourage you all to reunite in Fairbanks in March 2014 for the 23rd Arctic Winter Games.”

Thick then passed the flag onto Jerry Cleworth, mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough who finally handed it off to Alaskan athlete and member of the junior men's volleyball team, Ishmael Agae.

The 2014 Games will mark the third time that Fairbanks, AK has hosted the event.

John MacLennan, speed skating coach with Alberta North, called the Games a phenomenal experience and likened it with being on a cruise ship.

"It's been an extremely successful week, I ate way too much and I say that with all the praise I can, the food was marvelous,” he said.

"We got to bunk with quite a few people in our own sport and some others as well.

That was really neat because now you're meeting people from another part of the planet and they're sharpening their skates together, sharing tips, it was really wonderful.”

MacLennan and his athletes shared accommodations at Takhini Elementary School.

He admitted he was a bit wary at first, believing that the school would be too cramped for everyone but was pleasantly surprised upon arrival.

"It was a lot bigger than we thought and we had great beds provided,” he said.

Each of the athletes and coaches were given air mattresses, cots or bunk beds to sleep on.

"All of the facilities have been marvelous,” he said.

"It was a world class event.”