Hon. Judy A. White: Honourable senators, I rise today to share an important event from my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Every three years, the town of Happy Valley—Goose Bay hosts the Labrador Winter Games. It’s a cultural and sporting event that brings together athletes and community members from all regions of Labrador.
The Labrador Winter Games began in 1983 as a way to celebrate the unique cultures and talents of the people of Labrador. The event blends traditional and modern sports, games and skills, all in the interests of bringing communities together and honouring the ways of life that have been practised in Labrador for generations. The games have become known for friendly competition, good sportsmanship and mutual respect, fondly referred to as the “Friendship Games.” Up to 17 athletes per community compete for individual prizes as well as the coveted Labrador Cup, which is awarded to the team that has the most overall points at the games.
The Labrador Winter Games features both indoor and outdoor events, from table tennis, darts and volleyball to dog team racing, snowshoe racing, target shooting and skiing. The keystone event is the Labrathon. This is a snowshoe race and survival contest, spanning 500 metres and four “tilt” stops. Contestants load toboggans with supplies and race along a course, with several mandatory stops to complete survivalist tasks. This includes lighting a fire, bringing snow to a boil, target shooting, setting a trap and cutting a fishing hole in ice. The competitor who successfully completes all of the “tilts” and makes it to the finish line the fastest wins. The event is a test of skill and mental fortitude, as well as pays homage to the trappers who used all of these mechanisms for survival in the difficult winters of Labrador.
This year, records were broken in the seal kick category. Yes, this is a traditional Inuit sport that involves jumping and kicking a stuffed seal suspended in the air. Christopher Penney from Charlottetown took home the win after jumping an amazing 9.3 feet to kick the seal — just a little bit taller than I am.
Labrador City won the 2026 Labrador Cup for most overall points, which was awarded in a closing ceremony. The games truly are a time for everyone to come together and share in the joy of culture, heritage and sport.
Wela’lioq. Thank you.