The Yukon Government and the City of Whitehorse have formalized a partnership for the 2020 Arctic Winter Games with a memorandum of understanding this week.

John Streicker, the Minister of Community Services, and Mayor Dan Curtis signed the document last Wednesday.

The memorandum “ensures that while Whitehorse is the host city of 2020 AWG, the Yukon government will contribute funding and be a full partner in hosting the games,” said a news release.

The Arctic Winter Games brings together athletes from across the north to compete in a multitude of sports and connect with northern, arctic and indigenous cultures.

“Hosting the Arctic Winter Games is important for the growth and development of young athletes from across the north,” said minister Streicker. “We look forward to seeing the games in Whitehorse in 2020.

Whitehorse has hosted the Arctic Winter Games six times, most recently in 2012.

“The Arctic Winter Games provide an important sport development and cultural exchange opportunity for young athletes in Yukon and the circumpolar north,” said Curtis. “The benefits of hosting the games – including community development and economic impact for our local area – will be significant.”