First Nations youth athletes trek to Ottawa for Ontario Summer Indigenous Games ottnews ottawa
Which is why it's beyond heartwarming to see and hear them, back in the mix again, packing out the University of Ottawa gyms with volleyball and basketball games. Everyone is reveling in being back amid the old familiar sounds, the squeaking sneakers, the thumping chants of DEFENCE, the ref's whistles, the shouts and groans of teammates and parents and siblings on the sidelines.
Generalizations have their limits, but a basic truth about Indigenous sports in this province is that the further north you go, the fewer competitive opportunities there are, and the deeper the community has to dig just to give their kids a fighting chance to test their athletic abilities.Kerry Andrews is the Manager of Sports and recreation for the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. Her people are the hosts of OSIG.
"We have seen our youth become isolated, in a not-so isolated community. We don't have them out participating. And now that things are kind of opening up again, we are still struggling to get them to take part in things again. It's changed them in a not-good way and that's really hard to see, because they are so young and they should be active and they should be involved and eager, but they have taken a step back.
Under July's sunny skies on U of O's diamonds and tracks, Softball and a full slate of track and field competition is taking shape through the weekend. The GeeGees field is being put to great use in a series of high-intensity Soccer training and skills clinics. The level of play is a revelation. It's not easy or fair to single out one athlete from among the many fleet feet, but Amber Okimaw from Timmins has ball skills that quietly draw a spectator's attention.
Victoria Marchand, former GeeGees star and national women's Aboriginal soccer team player, is on the pitch, volunteering, helping promising young players hone their skills. She says her jaw dropped when she saw and heard this crop of players.Lacrosse and higher learning go hand-in-hand"In sport, we don't get the same opportunities as non-Indigenous kids. We have to leave our homes and communities behind to pursue elite sport. I just want to give back.
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