YELLOWKNIFE (February 26, 2013) – A new traditional games championship hosted by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and sponsored by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) and Sport Canada begins this Friday, March 1st in Yellowknife.
The first annual NWT Traditional Games Championship highlights Inuit and Dene traditional games and gives youth an opportunity to compete with others from across the territory.
“Our traditional games are an integral part of the culture and history of the NWT; keeping them alive is essential to keeping in touch with our vibrant past,” said Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Robert C. McLeod. “All types of sports contribute to a healthy lifestyle, so I encourage people to get out and support our athletes, enjoy some of the exciting traditional games action, and try some of the games for themselves.”
The inaugural championship will include ten events split between Dene and Inuit traditional games. All communities in the NWT were invited to participate and send teams to the championships.
Providing opportunities for organized, competitive sports and preserving our northern traditions helps build sustainable vibrant communities in the NWT and ensures we have healthy educated people as envisioned in the goals of the 17th Legislative Assembly.
For more information on the traditional games championship visit MACA’s website at www.maca.gov.nt.ca.
For more information, contact:
David Maguire
Communications and Website Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca