Summer Games Kick Off This Weekend
Thursday, August 04, 2011 at 14:16
The 2011 Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games get underway this weekend at the Thunderchild First Nation.
The games are set to be the largest in the history of the event with 4,500 athletes, 1,500 chaperones, 200 mission staff, 400 volunteers and 80 officials.
On top of that, there will be thousands of spectators descending on the community of less than 700.
Thunderchild Chief Delbert Wapass says being the biggest puts a lot of demands on the community.
The Games place a huge emphasis on the Aboriginal youth competing, providing cultural events and workshops for the athletes.
Chief Wapass is excited to see proud parents watching their kids excel.
The opening ceremonies of the games go Saturday evening with many of the events getting under way Sunday.