“It means something to be able to reflect yourself in others”

When the Arctic Games these days bring together athletes from all over the Arctic, it is not only medals and results that are in focus.

For Greenland, the Arctic Winter Games are also largely about identity, community and cultural pride. This is explained by Secretary General of the Greenland Sports Federation (GIF), Jonas Jensen.

- Our participation has a huge significance both sportingly and culturally. Many young people use the Games as a springboard for their sporting development, but culturally, participation is at least as important for us in GIF, he says.

In the reflection between people

At the Arctic Winter Games, athletes from, among others, Alaska, northern Canada and Greenland meet. According to Jonas Jensen, there is something special in the meeting between these regions.

- The cultural exchange between the countries is very important because we have cultures that are similar in many ways. We have many of the same traditions and a common origin. Of course there are differences, but there is first and foremost a strong Inuit community in the Games, he says.

That community has a special value.

- It means a lot to be able to reflect on others. And even though we don't want to mix sports and politics together, that reflection probably means a lot this year. It strengthens the unity that sports and sport can create, says Jonas, referring to the major political situation Greenland has found itself in recent years.

At a time when Greenland's importance in the Arctic is being discussed at the highest political level, this form of cultural and sporting reflection takes on extra weight.

From athlete to secretary general

For Jonas Jensen, the Arctic Winter Games are also a personal journey. He himself participated in the Games as a young athlete in 1998 in Yellowknife, Canada – and today he stands on the other side as secretary general of the Greenland Sports Federation.

“It was in Yellowknife that I really fell in love with sports and at the same time I developed a fondness for Canada. That's why it feels extra good to be here,” he says with a smile in his voice.

At the same time, he is pleased that the Greenlandic delegation is once again participating under the name "Kalaallit Nunaat".

“For the second time, we are now called Kalaallit Nunaat. We used to be called Team Greenland, but it means something to us to use our own language. It gives the athletes a sense of recognition and pride, says Jonas.

The fact that he himself has been an athlete at the Games also means something in his current role.

“I know what it feels like to go out and perform. That’s why it means a lot to me – both personally and professionally – to help further develop that part on behalf of GIF. I’m very proud,” says Jonas Jensen.

As the competitions get underway at the Arctic Winter Games, Jonas Jensen and the Greenland Sports Federation are following the Greenlandic delegation closely. Because even though medals and results are important, the Games are also about something bigger: community, culture and the meeting of people. And perhaps that is precisely why standing here means something – both for those on the field and for those who once stood there themselves.