[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 42 (Thursday, March 13, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 387--CELEBRATING THE 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES, IN 
                           FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

  Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself and Mr. Begich) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 387

       Whereas the Arctic Winter Games, held every 2 years, is a 
     premier sporting and cultural event and a true celebration of 
     athletic competition, friendship, and cooperation among 
     individuals living in the Arctic;
       Whereas the Arctic Winter Games, as envisioned over 40 
     years ago by Alaska Governor Wally Hickel and commissioners 
     from the Northwest Territories and Yukon, continues to 
     promote the core values of its creation: athletic 
     competition, cultural exhibition, and social interchange;
       Whereas the Fairbanks North Star Borough has a uniquely 
     qualified community to welcome the vast cultural benefits 
     that accompany serving as the host of the 2014 Arctic Winter 
     Games;
       Whereas the 2014 Arctic Winter Games welcomes more than 
     1,400 athletes from 9 contingents, representing nations that 
     include the United States, Canada, Greenland, and Russia;
       Whereas the State of Alaska is proud to contribute to the 
     Arctic Winter Games 287 Alaskan athletes, ages 13 to 24; and
       Whereas the 2014 Arctic Winter Games marks the fifth Arctic 
     Winter Games hosted in Alaska since the first competition in 
     1970: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the dedicated athletes, coaches, 
     volunteers, leaders, and staff who contribute to the mission 
     and success of the 2014 Arctic Winter Games;
       (2) welcomes the return of the Arctic Winter Games to 
     Fairbanks, Alaska, for the first time since 1988; and
       (3) celebrates the continuing friendly competition among 
     northern circumpolar countries and the great cultural 
     exchange that keeps northern traditions alive.
  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a resolution 
I submitted in recognition and celebration of the 2014 Arctic Winter 
Games. This year's games are being held in Fairbanks, AK, and run for 
one week, from this Saturday to next. I feel honored that I am able to 
attend. In fact, I will be attending the opening ceremony with the 
honorable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the 
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Chair of the Arctic 
Council. I am excited to be able to show her Fairbanks and cheer on our 
respective teams.
  The Arctic Winter Games was envisioned over 40 years ago by Alaska 
Governor Wally Hickel and commissioners from the Northwest Territories 
and Yukon to provide an opportunity for athletic competition for 
northern athletes and coaches. Today, the games have grown to be an 
important opportunity to share cultural values from northern regions 
around the world, and have some good old fashioned fun.
  The 2014 games welcome more than 2,100 athletes from 9 contingents, 
from the United States, Canada, Greenland, and Russia, including 287 
Alaskans. Twenty different sports are included, both winter and 
summer--from dog mushing to hockey to gymnastics to soccer to 
wrestling. I wish the best of luck to all the athletes. I thank 
Fairbanks for hosting the event, as well as the 2,600 volunteers who 
will contribute to the success of this year's games.
  I hope you will join me in supporting this resolution.

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