Cheryl Paterson, Mission staff member Team Nunavut, badminton player Jonah Oolayou, Chef de Mission Team Nunavut, Mariele DePeuter – photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – They may have the fewest athletes (28) participating in the fewest sports, but Team Nunavut feels like they’ve received a heroes welcome by the citizens of Prince George.

“They’ve been very welcoming and very friendly everywhere I go,” says badminton player Jonah Oolayou. “I see smiles and (receive) hello’s and welcome to Prince George. Just a very welcoming community.”

Mission staff member Cheryl Paterson says it’s been greatly appreciated, especially at the events themselves.

“They’ve (P.G. residents) been really good at cheering on our kids where we don’t have a huge fan base. People from Prince George have really stepped up and helped our kids out and given them some support.”

Nunavut isn’t expected to win any medals at these Games though they reached a milestone at the curling rink this week.

“Our girls got their first national win ever (8-2 over the Yukon) and brought Team Ontario to an extra end last (Tuesday) night. So that was one of the best games they ever curled they said,” says Paterson.

She says another thing they’ve appreciated in Prince George is the scenery and the weather.

“Some of the kids were very impressed with the trees and the weather. It was minus 56 when we left Iqaluit.”