Monthly Archives:June 2021

As the year slows and the days grow quieter, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

This past year has been filled with movement, connection, learning, and community, and we are deeply grateful for everyone who showed up, whether as an athlete, coach, volunteer, official, photographer, parent, partner, or supporter. What we continue to see across the North is that sport is never just about results, it is about people feeling seen, supported, and valued.

One of our favourite moments, as always, was the School Championships. They continue to remind us why we do this work. The joy, nerves, friendships, effort, and pride on those gym floors represent the very best of sport in the North. It is where confidence grows, leadership emerges, and belonging becomes real.

We are proud to celebrate milestones that mattered this year. Neilson being recognized with the Indigenous Sport Circle Coaching Award is a powerful reminder of what values-based leadership looks like. Seeing our athletes compete at the Canadian Championships for a second year in a row speaks to commitment, belief, and growth. Watching three Table Tennis clubs continue to strengthen and grow their memberships shows that community based sport is alive and thriving.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because people care. Because communities show up. Because relationships are built over time. Because we choose kindness, fairness, and inclusion alongside competition.

Thank you for trusting this journey, for supporting one another, and for helping create spaces where young people and adults alike can move, learn, and belong.

Wishing you rest, warmth, and meaningful time with those you care about. Happy Holidays, and thank you for an incredible year of community and connection.

We are excited to announce the Table Tennis coaches for Team NT at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.

Neilson Vandell from Fort Providence will be attending his first Arctic Winter Games as a coach. Neilson began playing Table Tennis just 11 years ago and has since been instrumental in building the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club from the ground up. His commitment to youth, community, and sport development continues to make a lasting impact. In 2025, Neilson received the Coaches Award from the Indigenous Sport Circle and led the Fort Providence middle school team to a banner win at the NWT School Sports Championships. His journey reflects what is possible when passion, patience, and community come together.

Akiko Iwase from Yellowknife returns as a two-time Arctic Winter Games coach. At the 2024 Games in Alaska, athletes under her guidance earned one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Akiko is deeply involved with the Yellowknife Table Tennis Club and is known for her steady leadership, technical knowledge, and ability to bring out the best in her athletes on and off the table.

Together, Neilson and Akiko represent two strong pathways into the Games, community built and club built, united by a shared belief in athlete development, inclusion, and showing up with heart.

We are grateful for their commitment and excited to see them support our athletes as they prepare to represent the Northwest Territories at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse.

Congratulations to Neilson on being named the 2025 Indigenous Sport Circle NWT Coaching Award winner.

This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated dedication, leadership, and impact in the development of athletes and sport programs at any level in the Northwest Territories. Neilson embodies everything this award represents.

More than a decade ago, Neilson discovered Table Tennis simply as a joy. As a 17-year-old, he was featured on the front page during the early days of Aerobic Table Tennis in Fort Providence, sharing movement, energy, and fun with his community. Eight years later, he now stands recognized for the coach and leader he has become.

But this award is not about just how far he’s come. It is about how much he has given back along the way.

Giving Back Where It Matters Most

Neilson’s coaching journey has been driven by one thing above all else, creating opportunities for young people. In 2023, he helped launch the Table Tennis High Performance Program at Deh Gah School, planting the seeds for structured training and consistent development. Soon after, he founded the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club, ensuring local youth had a space to be active, safe, and belong through sport.

And he didn’t stop there.

Neilson has hosted numerous tournaments in Fort Providence, giving young athletes the chance to compete, grow, and have fun. He has taken youth across the territory to compete in Hay River, Yellowknife, and Behchokǫ̀, and guided teams to School Championships where his players not only competed, but thrived.

In 2025, Fort Providence athletes earned multiple medals across singles and doubles categories, showcasing their growth and confidence on the table.

Competing Beyond the Territory

Neilson’s vision has never been limited by geography. He has brought youth to two Canadian Championships, making sure they were supported every step of the way. His teams earned their first ever boys’ division win over a provincial opponent, defeating Manitoba in a historic moment for Fort Providence athletes.

For many of these players, simply attending a national event was life changing. Winning matches was only part of the story, belonging, believing, and seeing possibility was the real victory.

More Than Medals, Building a Standard

Perhaps Neilson’s greatest achievement is not any single win. It is the standard he has built. From uniforms to training structure, from schedules to safety, from expectations to culture, he has helped create an environment where youth are treated like real athletes and valued as people. His club reflects care, consistency, and pride. His players show confidence. His community shows belief.

A Coach Who Leads with Heart

Neilson does not coach for recognition. He coaches because he loves the sport. He coaches because he believes in kids. He coaches because he knows what it feels like when someone believes in you first. And now the entire territory gets to believe in him.

Neilson, this recognition is deeply deserved. Your community, your athletes, and your sport are better because of you. Congratulations on your 2025 Indigenous Sport Circle NWT Coaching Award.

The TT4ALL event in Fort Smith was filled with movement, laughter, and community spirit. Youth, new coaches, families, and supporters came together for a full day of learning and friendly competition, and it was the kind of atmosphere that reminds us why community sport matters.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Mackenzie Recreation Association for making this event possible. Your support allowed us to create a space where youth could try new skills, build confidence, and enjoy the experience of playing together. It also helped us welcome and train new community coaches, whose leadership will continue to strengthen table tennis in the region.

The energy in the gym, the joy on young faces, and the pride shown in every game were a direct reflection of the opportunities your organization helps create. Moments like these stay with youth for a long time, and they inspire growth far beyond a single event.

We are grateful for the trust and partnership of the Mackenzie Recreation Association. Thank you for investing in community sport and for opening doors for youth across the North. We look forward to continuing this work and, in the future, sharing even more of the incredible things your support makes possible.

The countdown is on. The 2026 Arctic Winter Games are heading to Whitehorse from March 7 to 15, 2026, and Team NT trials will take place January 7 to 11, 2026. This is your moment to step forward, represent your community, and be part of something bigger than sport alone.

Trials are not just about winning. They are about showing up, giving your best, and discovering what you are capable of when you commit to the journey. Every athlete who walks into a trial brings courage, dedication, and pride for where they come from. It is where growth begins, confidence is built, and lifelong memories are created.

Whether you are dreaming of competition, connection, or simply challenging yourself in a new way, Team NT offers an experience that goes beyond the game. You carry your teammates, your community, and the entire North with you every time you step forward.

Registration is now open and the deadline is November 30, 2025. Learn more, sign up, and find trial information on the Sport North website: https://www.sportnorth.com/teamnt

This is your chance to rise, to represent, and to be part of something unforgettable.

#WeAreAllTeamNT

The excitement is building across the Northwest Territories as we prepare to cheer on Team NT at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse. This is your chance to be there in person, surrounded by northern pride, community spirit, and the unforgettable energy that only the Games can bring.

To make it easier than ever, a special round trip charter flight from Yellowknife to Whitehorse is now available through Air North. This charter gives families, supporters, and fans the opportunity to travel together, celebrate the athletes, and bring the full NWT spirit to the Games.

The flight takes off on March 8, 2026 at 19:10 and lands in Whitehorse at 20:50. The return trip is set for March 14, 2026 leaving Whitehorse at 14:00 and touching down in Yellowknife at 16:40. The total cost is $975 including all taxes and fees with a $200 deposit required to secure your place.

This is more than a seat on a plane, it is a chance to stand behind the athletes who have trained, sacrificed, and worked so hard to represent the NWT. It is an opportunity to show them that the whole territory is behind them. It is a moment to lift our voices together, to travel as a community, and to celebrate everything that makes Team NT special.

Let us fill that plane, let us bring our drums, our voices, our colours, and our northern pride to Whitehorse. The Games are where memories are made, friendships are strengthened, and the heart of the North shines brightest.

Get ready to cheer on Team NT. Let us make Whitehorse feel the power of the Northwest Territories.

For information about reserving a spot on the charter flight, email

awgcharter26@gmail.com

#weareallteamnt

The TT4ALL event in Fort Smith brought together youth, new coaches, families, and supporters for a full day of learning, laughter, and friendly competition. The gym was filled with colour, movement, and the kind of energy that reminds us why community sport matters.

The day began with our newest community coaches from Fort Smith stepping confidently into their roles. They learned quickly, supported each other, and led fun games that kept everyone moving. Watching them guide activities with patience and joy showed how important local leadership is in growing table tennis across the North.

Youth from Fort Smith and Fort Providence brought impressive focus and heart into every activity. From target shooting to doubles strategies, they played with creativity and curiosity. Many showed the same excitement after the event as they did during it, which included two brothers who ended the tournament by heading home to continue playing in their basement. That kind of spark is exactly why TT4ALL exists.

The matches throughout the day offered great rallies, shared smiles, and moments when young athletes surprised even themselves with what they could do. The sportsmanship stood out as much as the skill. Players encouraged each other, helped with demonstrations, fixed paddles together, and coached their friends through new challenges.

The open doubles event created one of the best atmospheres of the day. Teams from both communities mixed, supported one another, and showed some creative teamwork. The open singles and youth singles events brought the same spirit, with athletes giving everything they had.

Results

Open Doubles

1. Isaiah and Gord, Fort Providence and Fort Smith
2. Neilson and Micah, Fort Providence and Fort Smith
3. Kaleb and Liam, Fort Providence and Fort Smith

Youth Singles

1. Kaleb, Fort Providence
2. Isaiah, Fort Providence
3. Zander, Fort Providence

Open Singles

1. Neilson, Fort Providence
2. Gordie, Fort Smith
3. Gord, Fort Smith

Beyond medals, the real win was the way every athlete showed up, trusted the process, and gave their best. The pride in the room was shared by everyone who took part.

TT4ALL continues to grow in the Northwest Territories with the help of dedicated coaches, schools, families, and youth who bring their enthusiasm into every session. A huge thank you to the Government of the Northwest Territories for funding this initiative.

We cannot wait to come back and build on this momentum.

Table Tennis North is proud to announce Lesley Paulette of Fort Smith as the recipient of the 2025 Spirit of the North Award, a recognition that celebrates individuals whose dedication and commitment help grow the sport across the Northwest Territories.

The Spirit of Sport Award is one of Table Tennis North’s most meaningful traditions. It acknowledges community leaders who strengthen Table Tennis not only through competition but through passion, mentorship, and service. This year, Lesley stands out as a shining example of what it means to uplift a community through sport.

For years, Lesley has been a driving force behind the growth of Table Tennis in Fort Smith. Her consistency has helped keep programs active, welcoming, and accessible for players of all ages. Whether setting up equipment, encouraging beginners, or ensuring youth have a safe and positive place to play, Lesley has been there every step of the way.

A former Team NT participant at the 55 Plus Games, she brings both experience and enthusiasm to her role. Her resilience, and her determination to keep kids engaged, has created opportunities that extend far beyond the table. The young athletes in Fort Smith are thriving because she has made sure the doors stay open and the paddles stay moving.

Lesley’s impact reflects the true spirit of the North. She builds belonging. She creates space. She shows what is possible when one person believes in community.

Table Tennis North congratulates Lesley on this well deserved honor and thanks her for the warmth, energy, and leadership she brings to the sport. Her dedication continues to inspire players, coaches, and volunteers across the territory.

The Table Tennis community in Yellowknife is about to get a whole lot stronger. We are excited to announce that the Yellowknife Table Tennis Club officially opens its doors this Saturday, November 22, hosted at St. Joseph School.

This is something many athletes, families, and community members have been waiting for, and now it is becoming reality. A dedicated space for players of all ages to learn, train, have fun, and be part of a growing sport in the North.

First Session
St. Joseph School
Saturday, November 22
3:00–5:00 pm

After the first session, the club will run on a regular weekly schedule:
Tuesdays 7:00–8:30 pm
Saturdays 3:00–5:00 pm

Whether you are brand new to Table Tennis, returning after a few years, or looking to build your skills for competition, this club is for you. Youth, adults, beginners, and experienced players are all welcome.

Special Arctic Winter Games Session

To support athletes preparing for the Arctic Winter Games, we will host a special AWG information and Q&A session:

Saturday, November 29
1:00–3:00 pm
St. Joseph School

An opportunity for youth to ask questions, learn what to expect, and get guidance as they move toward trials and preparation.

Community Led, Community Supported

The YK Table Tennis Club is being supported through Table Tennis North, local volunteers, and community partners who believe in creating more opportunities for youth and families in Yellowknife. A huge thank you to Darren, who will be leading local coordination for the club.

If you have any questions about the club, please reach out: Darren — darrenwdlnd@gmail.com

We cannot wait to see the tables filled, the rallies flying, and the energy growing. This is the start of something special for table tennis in Yellowknife. See you at the club!

Fort Providence came together today in the most beautiful way. Over one hundred students, families, staff, and community members filled the gym at Deh Gah School to celebrate the incredible achievements of our young table tennis athletes. The room was full of pride, music, laughter, and the smell of tacos and pizza, creating the perfect backdrop for a moment these students will remember for a long time.

Principal Terry Sapp delivered a heartfelt message about the power of showing up, training with purpose, and representing your community with pride. She reminded everyone that every banner hanging on the gym wall began with young athletes who were willing to try, to travel, to compete, and to grow. Today, Fort Providence added a new chapter to that story.

These athletes did not only participate in the NWT School Table Tennis Championships and the Territorial Championships, they excelled. They represented Deh Gah School with confidence, kindness, and teamwork. Their achievements were recognized in front of their whole school, and the applause said everything. This community is proud of them, and they are proud to be from Fort Providence.

School Championships Results for Deh Gah School

Grade 6 Boys

1. Zander Sabourin

Grade 7 Boys

1. Kaleb Sabourin

Grade 8 Boys

1. Calin Landry

Grade 6 to 8 Doubles

1. Kaleb Sabourin and Calin Landry
2. Zander Sabourin and Haven Bonnetrouge
   3. Liam Causa / Olivia Glaser, Deh Gah / St. Joseph

Territorial Championships Results

Youth Singles

1. Kaleb Sabourin
2. Isaiah Elleze
3. Zander Sabourin

Open Singles

1. Neilson Vandell

Doubles

GOLD Neilson Vandell and Isaiah Elleze
BRONZE Kaleb Sabourin and Calin Landry

These results are more than medals. They show what happens when a community supports its youth, when coaches and volunteers believe in them, and when young people discover what they are capable of.

Today’s school celebration gave these athletes a moment to stand tall in front of their families and peers. The cheers, the smiles, and the energy in the room showed exactly why youth sport matters. It builds confidence. It builds belonging. It builds pride in who we are and where we come from.

Fort Providence, your athletes represented you with heart. And you celebrated them with love.