The region won’t have to wait too much longer to host the Arctic Winter Games after originally getting postponed.

The AWG International Committee announced on Tuesday the RMWB will now host the competition from January 29 to February 4, 2023.

They were set to be held here next year, however, they were moved due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“It will indeed be our time to shine with the support of our partners, volunteers, and our community,” said Melissa Blake, Co-Chair of the Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games

“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.”

John Flynn, President of the International Committee says they were focused on ensuring the games got to come back to the region.

The Games have been ongoing since 1970 with Wood Buffalo hosting the bi-annual event back in 2004.

“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,” added Flynn.

“We truly miss our northern neighbours and look forward to seeing them again in 2023.”

The Games will include athletes from northern Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Alaska, Greenland, Russia, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), and the indigenous people of Norway, Sweden, and Finland.