The 2017 Reindeer and Elf Spring Games

The opening ceremony of the 2017 Reindeer and Elf Spring Games took place on the evening of Wednesday 15 March 2017 in Spruce Tree valley, just west of Santa's Village at the north pole, starting at 19:00 NPT (14:37 UTC). As mandated by the North Pole Charter, the proceedings combined the formal ceremonial opening of this fabulous sporting event (including welcoming speeches, hoisting of the flags and the parade of athletes, as well as a new feature—the presentation of the North Pole Game Committee's Champion Laurel distinction) with an artistic spectacle to showcase the North Pole's culture and history.

As always, the opening ceremony started with the parade of participating Elves and Reindeer. Santa greeting the contestants as he always does, observing that the winners of this game, and the ones in the Summer and Fall games will be selected as the front line teams during the 2017 Christmas season.

For those who don't remember from last year's games it should be noted that the champions participating in the Reindeer and Elf Games are selected from the twelve different Reindeer herds, and the six Elf villages of Evela. Many of these champions have never been to Santa's Village before, although of course many others have, some being winners of past years' games.

The Spring Games will be held over the next 10 days. The schedule of events is listed here:

Thursday, March 16, 2017:

1 Mile Reindeer Sprint

Individual Class Elf Present Wrapping

Friday, March 17, 2017:

Reindeer High Jump

Team Class Elf Present Wrapping

Saturday, March 18, 2017:

Reindeer Long Jump

Individual Class Elf Toy Assembly

Sunday, March 19, 2017: No events

Monday, March 20, 2017: