Team Nunavut heading to Regina for 2014 North American Indigenous Games

News Release

For Immediate Release

Team Nunavut heading to Regina for 2014 North American Indigenous Games

IQALUIT, NU (July 4, 2014) – More than 70 of Nunavut’s best and brightest youth athletes, mission staff and cultural performers make up Team Nunavut for the 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Regina, Saskatchewan during the week of July 20-26, 2014.

Athletes are competing in badminton, volleyball and basketball, and a small group of cultural performers are showcasing their talents at the opening ceremonies and cultural village. Rounding out Team Nunavut are five adult mission staff and eight coaches.

"I want to thank the territorial sport organizations, especially the coaches and volunteers who devote countless hours to provide youth with the opportunity to participate in sport," said Tom Sammurtok, Minister of Community and Government Services. "I wish our Team Nunavut athletes the best of luck as they head to the 2014 North American Indigenous Games."

The NAIG were established in 1990 to provide indigenous youth from across Canada and the United States (U.S.) with an opportunity to showcase their heritage, history and culture through a variety of sport and cultural events. The NAIG is the largest multi-sport competition for young indigenous athletes, representing 23 regions throughout Canada and the U.S. A total of 4,500 athletes are competing in 13 different sporting events this year.

This is Team Nunavut’s fourth time participating in the NAIG, having competed at Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba (2003), Denver, Colorado (2006) and Cowichan, British Columbia (2008).

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NOTE TO MEDIA:

Biographies and photos of Team Nunavut athletes, mission staff and coaches are available upon request.

Please see backgrounder for list of participants.

Media Contact:

Jeff Seeteenak

Team Nunavut Chef de Mission

Phone: 867-793-3308

Email: @email