Rain fails to dampen Games' spirit

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Near-record rainfalls and a flood of setbacks didn't dampen the spirits of organizers and athletes of the first North American Indigenous Games held in Edmonton from June 30 to July 8.

More than 1,500 competitors and performers from across Canada and the western United States ready to punch, kick, shoot and stoke their way into sports fame paraded into the opening ceremonies hosted by the University of Alberta at the Butterdome.

Organizers kept their chins up but were holding their breath in preparation for the 10-day extravaganza they hope will some day parallel the Olympics. As the games progressed, an additional 1,000 athletes showed up to try their skills.

Games chairman Charles Woods, who said he had his hands full trying to find room for many unexpected participants, showed signs of fatigue halfway through the event, but insisted he wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Games organizers estimated 3,000 athletes would show, but Woods admits he was surprised by the turnout.

"We did have problems finding accommodation for everyone," he said. "But we weren't going to turn anyone away."

"This is what it's all about. This is for the youth."

Athletes an performers from as far south as New Mexico and as far north as the N.W.T, gave Edmonton sports enthusiasts a taste of Native culture not to be forgotten.

On day one, traditional dancers entertained passers-by on Jasper Avenue. Later, they gave shoppers at malls throughout the city a look at their customary numbers.

Meanwhile, Native athletes were plying their own talents in the boxing rings, at firing ranges and on volleyball courts located at designated venues around town.

Severe rainfalls didn't affect the games except to postpone some of the outdoor competitions. The archery event was scrapped all together because of lack of participation, according to Woods.

During the swimming finals at the Kinsmen Fieldhouse, games' mastermind Willie Littlechild didn't hesitate to share his own observations about the games' success.

"I was confident," he grinned. "I knew it would work like this."

Littlechild, the MP for Wetaskiwin, was the stroke judge for the swim heats. He said he volunteered his services because he wanted to keep close to the games.

"I wanted to see things through," he said.

During a 1977 meeting of the World Council of Indigenous Populations held in Geneva, Switzerland, Littlechild proposed the games and the resolution was eventually passed.

But the games haven't been without their problems.

Aside from a dismal volunteer list, money - or rather lack of it - seemed to be the biggest obstacle facing the games. But a last-minute financial boost from the City of Edmonton and several Native groups pushed the games' budget over its $650,000 mark.

A surge of volunteers erupted as well as the games came closer to reality. But the driving force behind the games' success, says Woods. was the spirit of competition each athlete brought with them. "It's that spirit that overrides all the trials and tribulations we had to face."