Jocks have no support

Page 6

EDITORIAL

The Native athletes in Canada in their quest to be carded (international) athletes lack support.

Many people for years have asked me; "Why don't we have more Native athletes in the Commonwealth Games or Olympic Games?"

Many outstanding Native athletes are walking around in the "grandmother country" who have the potential to be an international carded athlete.

My answer is very simple "no support" ? the local people (Native people or organizations) do not see the importance. The Native athlete gets frustrated and usually gives up hope. A young Native girl, nine years ago had the potential to go on to higher goals in sports, received no support from her people ? her name was Rita Houle.

I am confronted each year with outstanding athletes and it's the same story NO SUPPORT!

The whiteman in Canada in their communities rally behind the outstanding athlete. The local organizations hold fund raising events and the white athlete is sent off to national try-outs or international camp. The Native athlete in their bid to achieve higher goals can only look towards rejection by their peers and even their own families.

The whole paradox of this situation is we, Native people, are failing these young athletes.

I see many outstanding Native leaders who are caught up in their everyday life with their Native organizations. They are not aware that these athletes even exist. If someone life me calls for support or I have the athlete call these people they say, "Who gave you my phone number?" They become offended and they take a negative attitude. This has gone on for years and many of you Native leaders remember my phone calls. They have fallen on deaf ears to date.

There is an outstanding athlete who is leaving Edmonton on April 16, 1987 to try-out for the Canadian National Fastball Team in Los Angeles, California. She is a Metis and her name is Jackie, a pitcher with outstanding potential. She stands 6'0" and she has natural ability as a ball player. She has played for Gordon Russell's Native Daughters for two years. She was very instrumental in this team winning the NIAA Ladies North American Fastball Championships in Reno, Nevada in 1985.

Russell contacted the National Canadian Coach and Manager, and asked them to give Jackie a shot at the try-out camp in Los Angeles. She was accepted.

There will be many more outstanding Native athletes contacting me for support and I will be calling as usual. I only hope you will listen, and help some of these athletes who have the chance to go on to higher goals.

The only Native organization to assist Native athletes in the past has been the Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Edmonton and they have done a commendable job with their limited funds.