February 19, 2004

THE PAS—Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson, minister responsible for sport, announced today during the Trappers Festival that Opaskwayak Cree Nation and The Pas will be supported with $50,000 as they host the 2004 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games scheduled for July 22 to 25.

"These Games not only help our young people hone their athletic skills and prepare them for leadership roles in our communities, they support economic development in the province," said Robinson. "We’re proud to support this development and growth, and offer our best wishes to game organizers for a very successful 2004 Manitoba Indigenous Games."

Eight First Nations and seven Manitoba Métis Federation regions will be represented at the Games and approximately 1,500 athletes will participate. Over 4,000 visitors are expected to attend the Games, generating more than $2 million in revenue for the area. Athletics, golf, soccer, softball, fastball, canoeing and beach volleyball will be showcased. Demonstration sports will include 3-D archery, the strongman competition and lacrosse. Ultimate Frisbee will be featured as a display activity.

The Games will be hosted by The Pas region of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

The MISG program helps prepare athletes for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), which will be held in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2005. NAIG was held in Manitoba in 2002 attracting 7,000 participants and over 20,000 spectators.

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