FREDERICTON (CNB) - The opening ceremonies of the 2010 New Brunswick Indian Summer Games will be held at Elsipogtog First Nation on Friday, July 9. The games started on Tuesday, July 7, and will run until Sunday, July 11. Premier Shawn Graham and Human Resources Minister Rick Brewer, minister responsible for the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat, will take part in the opening.
After a 24-year hiatus since the last games were held at Kingsclear First Nation, Graham said that more than 1,000 athletes aged five to 20 from all 15 First Nations communities in the province will come together at Elsipogtog during a five-day period of friendly competition.
"I am very happy that the games have resumed this year," said Graham. "This is a great opportunity for all 15 First Nations communities to come together in the spirit of friendship to celebrate the accomplishments of First Nations youth."
The games will feature several competitive sports, including softball, baseball, golf, ball hockey, archery, basketball, wrestling and athletics. The NBASRA Cup, donated by the New Brunswick Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Authority, will go to the team that collects the most points during the games. There will also be relaxed, non-competitive events for adults.
"The event organizers have done an excellent job of putting together what has been an exceptional summer games thus far," said Brewer. "I hope this is merely the beginning of many more successful games on a yearly basis."
Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas and the chiefs of the First Nations communities will be among the dignitaries in attendance, in addition to community members, fans and parents.
For more information, contact games co-co-ordinator Jake Augustine at 506-523-7404, [email protected].
08-07-10
