In a presentation of song, dance and sport, the Songhees Nation announced Monday that an official bid will be made to host the 2020 North American Indigenous Games in Greater Victoria.
Songhees Chief Ron Sam said bringing the Games to the home of the Lekwungen speaking peoples is a chance to showcase athleticism and culture, but also provides an economic boom to the area.
B次元官网网址淭hese are transformational experiences for everyone,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淧articularly for our youth, for whom we must all work to ensure that they have a future filled with pride, optimism, opportunity, health and prosperity.B次元官网网址�
Victoria last played host to the Games in 1997, inviting athletes in the thousands to B次元官网网址渆xperience what it is like to be celebrated for our distinctive culture and athleticism,B次元官网网址� Sam said.
Athletes aged 14 to 19 compete in 3-D archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, box lacrosse, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, rifle-shooting, volleyball and wrestling, as well canoe and kayaking, in the name of respect and friendship.
In 2017, the Songhees Nation sent seven athletes to the Indigenous Games in Toronto, bringing home three gold medals, and one bronze, as part of Team B.C.
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Michael Maresca, a lacrosse participant in the 2014 and 2017 Games, described it as B次元官网网址渁 dream come trueB次元官网网址� to compete in the Iroquois arena on the land where the sport was first given to the people of the Ha`degaenage.
B次元官网网址淭raditionally, lacrosse is known as the B次元官网网址榤edicine gameB次元官网网址� for its ability to heal and bring joy and happiness to both those who play and watch the game and I believe that to be true,B次元官网网址� Maresca said.
Ottawa, Halifax and Winnipeg are also vying for the 2020 Games, which are projected to cost more than $7 million and are expected to generate at least twice as much in revenues.
The decision is expected to be announced later this year.
