The Arctic Winter Games: A subversive model of sporting event amid resonance blockers

Abstract

This research draws on resonance theory to analyse how the Arctic Winter Games (AWG) mitigate features linked with professionalized sport events – dynamics that can act as resonance blockers – to sustain conditions more conducive to resonance. Utilizing a qualitative multimethod approach, we analysed organizational documents, interviews, surveys and participant observation from the 2023 AWG and found that the AWG actively resist resonance blockers by challenging sportification through event governance and vernacular games, tempering hyper-competition and emphasizing value-rational orientations. These conditions create a sport event comparatively favourable for resonance experiences, illustrating how community sport events can be organized to protect spaces more conducive to meaningful relationships amid growing professionalization pressures.