An official theme song has been released for the 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games.
The song, called Be The Ones, was released on March 6.
It was co-written and recorded by multiple Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Serena Ryder of Ontario. The song was co-written by Grammy- and Oscar-nominated composer Stephan Moccio, who co-produced the song with Jay Paul Bicknell.
In a news release, the 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games Host Society noted the theme song is always an important element of the games, echoing the strength, dedication and spirit of the athletes and communities.
"We know that Be The Ones will inspire all participants and will raise awareness of the AWG on both a national and international stage," said Greg Rowe, the president of the host society. "The song carries the spirit of the North and the spirit of what the games are all about."
The song is available for purchase on iTunes and Apple Music.
All funds raised through sales will go towards supporting the 2018 Arctic Winter Games.
Thorsten Gohl, the marketing manager of the South Slave Arctic Winter Games, said a theme song has been created for all previous games.
In the past, people were invited to submit possible theme songs, and host societies would pick one or hold a competition.
"We thought we're going to change it up a little bit," said Gohl, as the host society reached out to 10 or so internationally-renowned artists to see if they would be available to help with the song.
"We were lucky enough that the Serena Ryder team then said, 'Oh, by the way, we have a song here sitting around that was proposed for the 2015 Pan American Games, but we would like you to have it because it fits perfectly with you,'" he said.
No other artists responded to the request.
'Be The Ones' was never previously released.
Gohl declined to discuss the cost of the song.
Ryder will not be in Hay River to perform the song at the opening ceremonies on March 18.
"At this point, we are still planning on having her somehow part of the ceremony, but it's up to the production company," said Gohl. "So there might be a pre-recorded recording of the video itself."
Gohl said the reaction to the song has been very positive.
