Aboriginal Sports Circle Elects New Chair
Eskasoni's Tex Marshall has been elected chairperson of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Canada's national voice for aboriginal sport.
"This is a tremendous honour," said Mr. Marshall, who was recently voted chair by the sport circle's board of directors. "I am privileged to serve as a leader of this great national organization."
"I'm pleased to see someone from the province elected to lead the Aboriginal Sport Circle," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "We are proud of Mr. Marshall's accomplishments in Nova Scotia and look forward to him making a difference on the national stage."
As chair, Mr. Marshall said he will focus on continuous and effective communication with all of the provinces and territories.
"I will work to ensure that every province and territory has a functional aboriginal sports body," said Mr. Marshall.
One of his mandates will be to ensure meaningful inclusion for aboriginal people at national and international games.
"One of my responsibilities will be to encourage aboriginal people to participate, not just as athletes, but also as dignitaries, coaches, volunteers, and other opportunities at upcoming Canada Games events and 2010 Olympic Games," said Mr. Marshall.
He was team chairperson and assistant chef de mission of Team Mi'kmaw Nova Scotia at the 2008 North America Indigenous Games in Cowichan, B.C. The team brought home 27 medals from the event, including seven gold medals.
Mr. Marshall has been involved with sports programs in Nova Scotia for more than 15 years. He is a sports animator with the Mi'kmaw Kina'matneway School Board, providing daily physical activity and healthy eating programs to Mi'kmaq schools in Nova Scotia. His duties include services for teachers, meetings with principals, and implementing intramural and after-school programs. He also initiated an annual Mi'kmaq track and field meet and Sport Summit.
For more information about the Aboriginal Sport Circle, visit www.aboriginalsportcircle.com .