NEWS

The 2023 Arctic Winter Games will be hosted in the Wood Buffalo region of Alberta. 2,000 athletes from the circumpolar world will come together to celebrate sport and culture from January 28 until February 5, 2023. 

As the 2022 games were canceled due to COVID-19, Table Tennis Yukon decided to gift their equipment that was not used for the games to the host society for this years event. Those included 2 professional tables, umpire tables and balls. A great initiative to make a leaving legacy for the communities of Northern Alberta. 

Kevin Murphy, President Table Tennis Yukon is excited about this “We benefited greatly with the new equipment we got for the 2020 games and unfortunately we never got to use it for the Whitehorse games. With that equipment we were in great shape at our club level. When Brian Stuart, Table Tennis Yukon’s chief official & I found out the 2023 games needed some equipment, we decided to help out. Pay it forward, if you will, the legacy for our sport”.

Table Tennis in the Northwest Territories also stepped up and provided additional equipment to the host society for a successful event. Including 4 tables, barriers, umpire tables and balls. There will be a total of 6 out of the 8 circumpolar nations participating in Table Tennis and they will see brand new equipment to participate on

Executive Director for Table Tennis North (NWT), Thorsten Gohl shares his reasoning about this great initiative “We absolutely loved what the Yukon did and wanted to be part of it. We are all in this together and together we are stronger. An absolute no brainer to step up and support our sport.”

We are looking forward to the 2023 Games and especially the Table Tennis event. This is what sport is all about!!!

We had an amazing evening with our webinar on INtro to INclusion, hosted by Sarah Gallsworthy sharing her insights, passion and love for inclusion in this world.

This presentation will introduce your team to diversity and inclusion. It is a starting point to the diversity and inclusion journey. We begin by exploring why this work needs to be undertaken, explore definitions for key terms, frame the idea of the diversity and inclusion journey and provide context about what leaders need to be thinking about and planning for.

“It was so humbling to share this important work tonight with so many amazing people throughout the North West Territories.  The commitment to making sure every participant has a positive and safe sport experience was so evident. Thank you for being such a gracious host.  I am looking so forward to the next time we are able to gather and learn together.” – Sarah Gallsworthy, INclusion INcorporated. 

We are looking forward to our next session

Language of INclusion – January 17, 2023 @ 6:00-7:00pm MT

This session will explore definitions for key terms and introduce some ways to approach inclusive language and some things to avoid in language.

Pronouns – January 19, 2023 @ 6:00-7:00pm MT

Pronouns have come to forefront of our public discourses on gender and gender inclusion. Participants will walk away with a strong understanding of pronouns, why they are important and how to integrate them into everyday use. 

If you have any questions or like to sign up, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. 

A huge thank you to the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Mackenzie Recreation Association for supporting our inclusion series.

Table Tennis North is excited to partner with INclusion INcorporated to share the importance of “The Language of Inclusion” in our webinar series.

INtro to INclusion – January 10th, 2023 @ 6:00-8:00pm MT

This presentation will introduce your team to diversity and inclusion. It is a starting point to the diversity and inclusion journey. We begin by exploring why this work needs to be undertaken, explore definitions for key terms, frame the idea of the diversity and inclusion journey and provide context about what leaders need to be thinking about and planning for.

Language of INclusion – January 17, 2023 @ 6:00-7:00pm MT

This session will explore definitions for key terms and introduce some ways to approach inclusive language and some things to avoid in language.

Pronouns – January 19, 2023 @ 6:00-7:00pm MT

Pronouns have come to forefront of our public discourses on gender and gender inclusion. Participants will walk away with a strong understanding of pronouns, why they are important and how to integrate them into everyday use. 

Table Tennis North will also launch their “Ask my Gender Pronouns” in the next few weeks. Stay tuned and follow our Social Media channels and website for more information. We are excited to be part of Team NT and represent the Northwest Territories at the upcoming 2023 Arctic Winter Games and the 2023 Canada Winter Games. 

If you have any questions or like to sign up, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. 

ABOUT INCLUSION INCORPORATED

INclusion INcorporated is a JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) consulting firm which supports leaders and their organizations on their inclusion journeys towards cultures of belonging.  Focused on customized solutions that will allow organizations to implement sustainable inclusion strategies, through training, action plans and tools.

INclusion INcorporated works with clients in the not for profit, for profit, government and educational sectors. INclusion INcorporated hosted thirty-three episodes of the #BridgesofBelonging conversations with diverse leaders to showcase vulnerable discussions and facilitate person-centred approaches as we move collectively forward.

ABOUT TABLE TENNIS NORTH

Table Tennis North is the governing body for Table Tennis in the Northwest Territories. As a not-for profit organization we support, promote and develop an active, healthy and fun environment with the sport of Table Tennis in the Northwest Territories.

INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/tabletennisnorth

FACEBOOK | https://www.instagram.com/tabletennisnorth

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

In the spirit of reconciliation, Table Tennis North acknowledges that we live, work and play within many traditional territories. Our physical office and training centre is situated on the sacred lands of the Deh Gah Got’ie (home of the river people) in the Treaty 11 territory. 

Our Arctic Winter Games coach arrived in the Northwest Territories and will be working with our athletes to get them ready for the upcoming games starting January 29th, 2023.

“We are excited to have Emilia with us in the North. She will be a wonderful addition to Team NT Table Tennis.”

Emilia will be doing school outreach programs in Fort Providence, Kakisa, Yellowknife and Hay River, support the Hockey & Table Tennis program as well as support the partnership with Inclusion Incorporated and the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Table Tennis North will be hosting the Canada Winter Games trials on January 7th, 2023 in Fort Providence at the Territorial Training Centre. The open spots are 1 female athlete and 2 male athletes. The tournament will be a round robin in each the male and female category. Each athlete competing twice against each other. 

January 6 – 6-8pm
Free Training

January 7 – 10am-2pm 
Canada Games trials

January 7 – 4-6pm 
Arctic Winter Games training camp

January 8 – 10am-2pm
Arctic Winter Games training camp

We will also be hosting the Arctic Winter Games training camp that weekend in Fort Providence and you are more than welcome to join us. Please sign up before January 5th, 2023 and let us know when you arrive in Fort Providence. 

Hotel
Snowshoe Inn: https://www.snowshoeinn.ca/

Restaurant
Snowshoe Cafe: https://www.snowshoeinn.ca/#cafe

Groceries Store
Northern Store: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernFortProv/
M&R Grocery Store

Send an e-mail before January 5, 2023 to [email protected] with your first name, last name, date of birth and your home community.

Fort Providence – We are very excited to announce that Emilia Cabrera Mallette will be the head coach for Team NT Table Tennis at the 2023 Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games.

Emilia started her career very early when she was only 5 years old. From there she participated in many national and international competitions as a Team Quebec player before becoming a Canadian National Team player and representing Team Canada in international events.

Since then Emilia turned coach and is now working with players in Quebec, as well as she just assisted the Table Tennis Canada Gender Equity training camp earlier this Summer in Ottawa.

Here are some memorable moments in her career.

“The US OPEN in Las Vegas (2018) because of how impressive everything was in this city such as the buildings, the cultural attractions, the gym where there was more than 200 tables, etc. Also, I had the opportunity to watch inspiring players play in real life such as Eugene Wang (Canada).

The most memorable moment of my career happened in 2018 during a Canada open (international) in Toronto. Me and my teammate Kelly Zhao were playing for the third place in the team category girls 15 and under. I had to win my next match in order for us to reach the third place and it would have been my first international medal. Therefore, I was losing 6-2 (2-0) against a talented USA player. To be honest, I had lost all hope. But, Kelly and my coach (Maxime Surprenant) didn’t give up on me and I was able to win this match! Me teammate and I were so happy and we couldn’t believe what just happened. Here are the pictures that were taken when I won the match.”

Emilia will be working with Team NT Table Tennis in preparation for the games the end of January. Including our partnership with the Richmond Olympic Oval, Skating Success and our upcoming Gender Equity and Every Child Matters campaign. In January 2023 she will also support the Hockey & Table Tennis program before travelling with the team to Fort McMurray to compete at the Arctic Winter Games.

“I want to create great memories and meet new players. It will be a very enriched experience for me a coach but also as a person. My goal is to share as best as I can the knowledge that I have acquired in my career. However, I’m sure that I will learn a lot from the people that I’ll meet there. I can’t wait to meet the NT table tennis community !!!!”

We are looking forward seeing our athletes work with Emilia in preparation for the Arctic Winter Games and leaving a legacy behind for future generation. Welcome, bienvenue Emilia!!!

Please see the letter from the President of the AWGIC indicating that the AWGIC has removed the mandatory Covid – 19 Vaccine Policy for the AWG’s.

“Effective immediately, the Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) has revoked its Policy on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines to align with current public health advice. This means that the AWGIC will no longer require participating athletes, coaches, managers, mission staff, and others to be fully vaccinated to be part of the Wood Buffalo 2023 Arctic Winter Games”. 

This recent news obviously impacts the Territorial Trials slated for December 7-12. As a result, the mandatory Covid – 19 Vaccine Policy for the AWG Territorial Trials will be removed.

If members of your TSO feel impacted by this recent decision (for example, unvaccinated athletes who did not register for the Territorial Trials, OR vaccinated athletes who now wish to withdraw), please contact Bill Othmer @ 669-8336 no [email protected] later than Tuesday Nov. 22^nd  to arrange registration or a refund.

Find all the information about the two upcoming events right here. If you have any questions let us know. Send an e-mail to [email protected] and we try and get back to you as soon as possible.

ARCTIC WINTER GAMES

The Arctic Winter Games (https://awg2023.org/) will be hosted from January 29th to February 5th in Fort McMurray, Alberta. The trials for this event will be on December 7-11th, 2022 in Fort Providence. The logistics will be arranged by Sport North and the regional coordinators. Table Tennis North will run the competition and the Hamlet of Fort Providence will help us with local support.

Coach Selection
Deadline to submit your interest November 16th, 2022

Athletes Selection
Deadline to register November 7, 2022 (https://www.sportnorth.com/games/arctic-winter-games-2023)

Technical Package

CANADA WINTER GAMES

The 2023 Canada Winter Games (https://www.2023canadagames.ca/) will be hosted from February 18th to 25th in Prince Edward Island. The trials for this event will be on December 7-11th, 2022 in Fort Providence. Table Tennis North will be running the logistics and competition with the local support from the Hamlet of Fort Providence.

Coach Selection
Deadline to submit your interest November 16th, 2022

Athletes Selection
Deadline to register November 29th, 2022

Technical Package

Registration link: https://forms.gle/3DH2GDzqrwsCyhZ87

Beth Warner-Hudson on behalf of Table Tennis North

“Who are we without the love we have for our children? It is this
hope of a good life for our children, our grandchildren, and those
who are yet to come that this work is based in. It is the work of the
previous generations who have sacrificed themselves in knowing
that the future generations will need space to exist as per the
instructions of the Creator. Space where they will be free to grow
and thrive as the Creator intended; for our children to be good
people and to live a good life. Only, our children can’t do that.”
– Grand Chief Gerry Antoine of the Dene Nation,
speaking at the Dehcho Physical Literacy Conference;
Fort Providence, Northwest Territories; March 2022
Physical activity for Indigenous Peoples across Turtle
Island is more than just the enjoyment and benefit of
movement: it’s a foundation for living “the good life”
that Indigenous Elders and Ancestors have continued
to pass down to the next generation. Since time
immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived, thrived
and grown in harmony with the Land and all our
relations with Mother Earth. Colonization took away
the ability to speak, to share, to grow and to pass on
our teachings to the next generation. A lot was lost and
there is still a lot to reclaim. How has this impacted
how Indigenous Peoples engage in physical activity?
The Dene Nation exists within the colonial borders of
the Northwest Territories and is home to many distinct
nations and regions that have shared relationships with
the Land known as Denendeh since time immemorial.
Grand Chief Gerry Antoine, elected representative for
the Dene Nation within the Assembly of First Nations,
recently spoke at the Dehcho Physical Literacy
Conference on the importance of storytelling and
passing on knowledge to the next generation of young
Leaders. The Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories
is helping to better understand and deliver quality
physical literacy programming as a leader in the field
in the North.

What is “the good life,” and why is it important for
Indigenous Children? Canada now exists as a settler
state in our global society, which erases and limits
what we know about Indigenous Peoples and their rich
histories with the Land. Being on the Land is one way
in which to share, support and learn from the very
knowledge holders who want so badly to pass on their
teachings to the next generation. Our ability to pass
on these gifts was stolen because of Indian Residential
Schools, and while we have been able to maintain some
knowledge through whispers and storytelling from those
who escaped, we are critically aware of the losses – of
language, ancestors, family members, culture and identity.
But that does not mean there is no hope for a better future.
Indigenous Communities across Turtle Island are diverse
and vast, and all have their own teachings, languages and
cultural protocols. There is no “one way” to bring together
all Canadians on the field or in the gym, but there are
ways in which we can work together to bring back what
was lost. While it is important to avoid generalizing
about all Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island, there
is unification in our responsibility as Guardians and
Stewards of Mother Earth to protect, honour and respect
her, and to live the good life she continues to gift us every
day. Indigenous Peoples do not view physical activity as a
singular domain for achieving the benefits of health, but as
one of the important areas of life in which we must remain
balanced to be healthy.

We cannot exist as grounded, healthy and thriving Peoples
if our lives are out of balance. Balance is achieved by
supporting the individual as a whole and taking a holistic
perspective on wellness to address barriers to physical
activity; our physical health will not be good if our social,
emotional, intellectual, spiritual and cultural health are
struggling. Therefore, supporting more Indigenous-based
physical activity programming is critical in supporting
a healthier Canada for all Canadians. It is time to stop
and listen to all the teachings, gifts and knowledge that
Indigenous Elders and Ancestors have been saving for us
since colonization began. It is time to find ways to include
Land-based teachings and opportunities in our school
systems, our afterschool programs and our sports teams,
and at home with our families. It is time for all of us to
take that step out of our front doors and take seriously
our inherent responsibilities as Guardians and Stewards
of Mother Earth to protect, honour and respect her, and
to live the good life on Turtle Island.

Are you interested in trying out for the Canada Winter Games and/or Arctic Winter Games in Table Tennis? Come and join us this week in Yellowknife for 4 training sessions. Anyone can join our Open House session at 6pm at Weledeh School.

To sign up for the training sessions and to get more information on the locations and times, send an e-mail to [email protected].