Prince Albert to host indigenous games

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A sacred bundle will be carried by marathon runners from Edmonton to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1993 to mark the opening of the North American Indigenous Games.

Yes folks, it's official now. The northern Saskatchewan town has been chosen as the site of the second games. Organizers hope to draw more than 3,500 Natives athletes from across the continent.

"We're looking at a big celebration. We're hoping to improve on things," said Bob Merasty, who is helping co-ordinator the event.

The games made their shaky debut in Edmonton two years ago. Although they drew more than 4,000 athletes and cultural performers, a lack of funding sent many of the organizers' plans spinning into disarray.

A $3.2 million financial plan never came close to materializing. That left the real budget for the week-long event closer to $350,000 forcing organizers to cancel many events and turn away some participants.

Merasty said the budget for the 1993 games has been brought down to a more modest $600,000. But with that money they are hoping to feature a full range of events, including track and field, archery, boxing, swimming and canoeing.

Cultural events will include a rodeo, a talent show and numerous cultural ceremonies, he said. There are also plans to introduce lacrosse and baseball as demonstration sports.

Merasty said the Prince Albert games will also be open to Native athletes of all ages. The Edmonton games were limited to participants between 13 and 19 years old.

"We'll be approaching anybody and everybody we can think of," he said.