The Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games Host Society on Friday unveiled its first major private sector sponsor for the 2012 Games.

Northwestel is signing on as a Legacy Partner sponsor for the 2012 Arctic Winter Games, to be held in Whitehorse from March 4th through 10th of that year.

Northwestel's sponsorship is at the highest level available from the Arctic Winter Games, as a Legacy Partner. The Legacy Partner category was specially-created for companies such as Northwestel, which support the Games at a high level and have been sponsors since the Games first began.

"The Arctic Winter Games play such an important role in the development of northern youth,” said Curtis Shaw, Northwestel vice president of consumer markets.

"As a pan-northern company, Northwestel is very pleased to once again support the Games. We are looking forward to yet another successful event for northerners and visitors.”

The 2012 Arctic Winter Games has launched its sponsorship campaign and are actively seeking support from the business community.

"Without the continued support of sponsors the dream of the Arctic Winter Games would not be alive,” says sponsorship manager Jason Bilsky.

"Hosting the Games creates a fantastic opportunity for sponsors to highlight their organizations' values and commitment to the northern community. Northwestel has a long history of partnering to support this event, and we have benefitted mutually in support of the Arctic Winter Games”.

Under a sponsorship agreement, Northwestel will provide contributions to support the 2012 Arctic Winter Games valued at $250,000.00. The company's support for the Games includes a variety of in-kind services and provision of office space for the Host Society. As well, Northwestel is providing volunteer support for the Games.

The Arctic Winter Games is the world's largest northern multi-sport and cultural event, with participation from Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, northern Alberta, Nunavut, Nunavik, Quebec, Greenland, Yamal, Russia and Scandinavia. It is a celebration of athletic competition, culture, friendship and cooperation between northern contingents.

In 2009, Northwestel contributed more than $550,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups.

Northwestel is recognized as a key contributor to the well-being of northern communities through its community investment program and the volunteer contributions of its employees.