Family and friends of Team Saskatchewan athletes sign a banner for good luck at a pep rally in Whitecap.
A pep rally for over 500 athletes, coaches and support staff for Team Saskatchewan took place at Whitecap Dakota First Nation this afternoon.
They will head to Toronto early Saturday for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). Team Saskatchewan has done well since the first games in Edmonton in 1990. In eight competitions, Saskatchewan has won the overall games title six times and lead in gold medals won since the start of the games.
Mike Tanton is with Team Saskatchewan’s steering committee and says expectations are high to come back from Toronto with the overall games banner. “Those expectations are there every year and we are expecting to make this number seven,” he says. “We are not going to be holding back in regards to thinking we are not going to win.”
Tanton has been to every NAIG since it’s inception as a spectator, athlete or a support staff member and says the games offer something different for the athletes. “It’s something that these young athletes have never experienced and they will remember it for a lifetime,” he added.
He says aside from competing against other high class athletes, the other aspect of the games will be the friendships the kids make from all across North America. “It’s an opportunity to meet like minded individuals, share stories and create friendships that they will remember for the rest of their lives,” he says.
Calvin Napope from St. Louis is one of the top athletes from Team Saskatchewan who is making his second trip to NAIG. He is hoping to improve on his medal haul from the last games in Regina, where he won 6 gold in athletics. “Well, I just have to stay focused, and not worry about being nervous around the other athletes, and just go out there and give it my best, he says.
Napope says he hopes to be able to compete in the Junior National track championships next year and says when he gets older, the Olympics may be a possibility for him.
Tanton says there are a lot of very talented athletes and the Games will provide a stepping stone for Napope and others to compete on a larger stage. “These are learning opportunities along that path and at the same time help establish self esteem and confidence in our young people,” Tanton added.
The opening ceremonies take place on Sunday and competition begins in all 14 sports on Monday.