The Yukon government has congratulated all members of Team Yukon “for representing the territory with honour and pride” at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su, Alaska.

More than 350 athletes, coaches, cultural delegates and support staff travelled to the state for the week-long Games.

Twenty sports were contested at the March 10-16 event, which included cultural performances.

Team Yukon members came back with 162 ulus, putting them second in the medal count to Alaska. The team earned 59 gold, 45 silver and 58 bronze.

Alpine skier Ellyann Dinn led Team Yukon into the closing ceremony.

Dinn earned three medals on the alpine ski slopes in giant slalom, slalom and parallel slalom.

The Yukon’s alpine team also won the team award.

“Dinn is a role model and a great representative of alpine skiing and sport in the territory,” the government said Monday.

At the closing ceremony, Team Yukon was presented with the Hodgson Trophy. It’s given to the contingent whose athletes best exemplify the ideals of fair play and team spirit.

It’s the first time since 1998 that the Yukon has received this honour.

“Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, cultural performers, mission staff and volunteers for another wonderful game,” said Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn.

“We are all so proud of how well all the athletes performed and how they conducted themselves on the field of play.

“Thank you, all, for being such incredible representatives of the territory as well as fantastic athletes. As the Games close, we look ahead to the next Arctic Winter Games in 2026, when we’ll be welcoming the circumpolar North in Whitehorse.”

Chef de mission Trevor Twardochleb called the Yukon athletes “an incredible group.

“Every member of the team should be proud of their accomplishments.

“Our entire team extends their gratitude to the 2024 Arctic Winter Games Host Society and the countless volunteers who make these Games special for all participants,” Twardochleb added.

The Arctic Winter Games are held every two years, though COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 event that had been slated for Whitehorse.

The Yukon government contributed $585,000 to support Team Yukon’s attendance at the Games.

Sport Canada chipped in an additional $100,000.

The government will provide $4 million and a $350,000 in-kind contribution to the 2026 event Whitehorse will host.