The Arctic Winter Games International Committee has suspended athletes from Yamal, Russia from competing in next years games in Fort McMurray.

The games are held every two years which usually attracts roughly 2,000 athletes from around the world from northern communities.

Athletes were supposed to be competing this year from Mar. 6 to 12, but the games were postponed due to the pandemic.

“The Arctic Winter Games International Committee is deeply concerned regarding the ongoing events in Ukraine and the grave impacts on human life. We join our global partners in calling for peace,” stated AWG Committee president John Flynn.

The games are being held on Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, 2023, in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo area.