Meadow Lake cleans up again

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Athletes representing Meadow Lake Tribal Council did it again, taking home the overall title at the Saskatchewan First Nation Winter Games for the fourth straight year.

The team racked up 449 points at this year's games, held April 15 to 19 in Prince Albert.

Coming in second was the host team, the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), with 333 points, while third spot went to the Battlefords Tribal Council with 323 points. The Touchwood/File Hills/Qu'Appelle Tribal Council and Saskatoon Tribal Council tied for fourth place, with 294 points per team.

This year's winter games had a few changes from past games, including additions to the opening ceremonies.

Held on Easter Sunday this year, the opening ceremonies included the usual speeches from community leaders, including former games athlete-turned-FSIN chief Perry Bellegarde and PAGC Grand Chief Gary Merasty. Added to this year's ceremonies, however was entertainment provided by young Aboriginal artists.

"We wanted to do something for youth, so we thought 'Why not get youth to entertain?'" said assistant games co-ordinator Mel Mercredi.

"I think the games' committee did an outstanding job of planning the whole thing," added Merasty.

"Staggering the speakers at the opening ceremonies and bringing in some entertainment, especially with them being youth entertainers, was a big thing. It got a lot of the kids into the spirit of the games, and I think out of everything, those were probably some of the biggest compliments we got, were on the opening ceremonies."

The entertainers included a break-dancing troupe, a hip-hop dance group, a rap artist, and a 12-year-old Tina Turner impersonator.

The second way the 2001 games differed from past editions was the format of the events. Whereas in the past all of the age groups came to compete at the same time, this year saw the younger kids come in for the first half of the week and the older kids come in for the final half.

"I think it was excellent. There were a lot of athletes," said Grand Chief Merasty. "I think, at first, a few people were apprehensive about the new format, but I think it worked out well in the end and it was a good turnout."

"I felt it was a great games," said games co-ordinator John Fitzgerald. "I think we showed our talents, and I think what we're looking at is preparing for the summer games now."

The 2001 Saskatchewan First Nations Summer Games will be hosted by the Lac La Ronge Indian band Aug. 12 to 16.