Athletes stand together for Tri-Ute Games

307 student athletes, along with coaches and royalty from all three Ute tribes, gathered at the SunUte Community Center, in their respective colors — Red, Blue and Yellow, following the opening ceremonies for Tri-Ute Games, Tuesday, May 29.

Master of ceremonies, Sheila Nanaeto keeps the audience entertained by cracking jokes and talking about the history of the Tri-Ute games on Tuesday, May 29.

Southern Ute Chairman, Christine Sage shakes hands with Jr. Miss Southern Ute Alternate, Tauri Raines and the rest of Ute royalty before the opening ceremony for the Tri-Ute Games, Tuesday, May 29

The Southern Ute Veterans Association carry in the flags while Ignacio’s Yellow Jacket Drum Group sings a grand entry song for the opening ceremony of the Tri-Ute Games on Tuesday, May 29.

To open the Tri-Ute games, athletes and supporters filled the SunUte gymnasium on Tuesday, May 29.

Southern Ute Chairman, Christine Sage welcomed everyone in attendance for showing up to the annual Tri-Ute Games on Tuesday, May 29.

Southern Ute Brave Dominick Goodtracks, Little Miss Southern Ute Myla Goodtracks, Miss Southern Ute Lorraine Watts and Jr. Miss Southern Ute Autumn Sage stand together before the group photo with all three tribes is taken on Tuesday, May 29 for the Tri-Ute Games.

Yellow jacket singers honor athletes and pay tribute to members of the community with an honor song, Tuesday, May 29.

Commander of the Southern Ute Veterans Association, Howard Richards Sr. brings in the colors alongside his fellow veterans during the Tri-Ute games opening ceremonies, SunUte Community Center, Tuesday, May 29.

Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum

McKayla Lee | The Southern Ute Drum

Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum

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Fri Jun 8th, 2018 , by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe hosted the Tri-Ute Games in Ignacio, returning to the SunUte Community Center once again for the welcoming ceremonies. Young athletes from each of the three Ute tribes competed against each other in a variety of sports including: archery, basketball, volleyball, golf, running, traditional hand game and a warrior challenge. Guest speakers, evening activities and a photo booth added to the multi-day sporting event, which encouraged friendly competition and sportsmanship amongst Ute athletes. The final day of activities and the Ute Warrior Challenge brought the athletes, coaches and tribal dignitaries to Lake Capote where the three daylong event came to an exciting climax under blue skies. The Tri-Ute Games are hosted by a different Ute tribe each year, this year’s games were held Tuesday, May 29—Thursday, May 31.