Mi'kmaq Athletes Prepare for North American Indigenous Games

Mi'kmaq athletes from across Nova Scotia were given an official send-off today, July 19, for the North American Indigenous Games in Cowichan ,B.C., from Aug. 3 to 10.

Forty-two athletes and coaches on Team Mi'kmaw Nova Scotia received their track suits at the event at St. Mary's University. The athletes will compete in swimming, track and field, badminton and golf.

"This kind of friendly competition among athletes from across Canada will no doubt help mould their characters and result in life-long friendships," said Health Promotion and Protection Minister Barry Barnet. "Athletic competition is to be encouraged and I am pleased that the Mi'kmaq have been able to assemble such an outstanding team."

Chief Morley Googoo of Waycobah First Nation in Cape Breton was one of the first Nova Scotia athletes to win a gold medal at the 1995 Games.

"It's a tremendous privilege and honour to see a strong delegation from Nova Scotia compete at the North American Indigenous Games," said Chief Googoo. "It is my hope that they will embrace this opportunity, and take pride in the fact that they will be representing our province."

Chief Googoo and other Nova Scotia chiefs will join the Nova Scotia delegation in British Columbia on Aug. 3 to participate in the opening ceremonies. Five thousand athletes are expected to compete in the Games.

George Tex Marshall, team chairperson, said Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq athletes are competing in track and field for the first time and are training hard for the events.

"I'm sure that our athletes will perform well at these Games," he said.