Tri-Ute Games returns this summer on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation in Towaoc, from Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 10. Opening ceremony kicked off the weeklong event, Ute athletes filled the Ute Mountain Recreation Center grand entry style Monday morning. This year’s Tri-Ute Games featured archery, basketball, bowling, golf, hand-game, volleyball, and wrestling – Southern Ute athletes gained the opportunity to meet relatives from the Ute sister tribes and play their favorite sport. The final day challenged athletes during the annual Ute Warrior Challenge; athletes ran 2–miles, rode mountain bikes to a swimming location, then crossed a large pond during the triathlon event.
Team Southern Ute passes the ball through members of Team Ute Mountain Ute as they make their way to the goal on Wednesday afternoon in Towaoc. The Ute Mountain Recreation Center was filled with fans who came to cheer for both teams.
Team Ute Indian Tribe competed in the bowling categories on Monday and Tuesday, the team went on to take first overall and receive the Tri-Ute Traveling Trophy.
Southern Ute tribal member, Ivan Joseph, throws a strike during the first day of the bowling competition in Cortez, Colo. Joseph represented Team Southern Ute on Monday, Juy 6 and Tuesday, July 7.
Co-Ed Volleyball fills the Ute Mountain Recreation Center on Wednesday morning; Team Southern Ute has possession and gets ready to serve Team Ute Mountain.
Atticus Harlan looks ahead to the goal before shooting free throws during the basketball sessions held on Wednesday, July 8 at the Ute Mountain Recreation Center. Team Southern Ute went head-to-head with Team Ute Mountain Ute during the younger age categories session.
Southern Ute tribal member, Matthew Carrillo, competes in the Ute Warrior Challenge on Friday. The triathlon event took place throughout Towaoc; Carrillo later went on to win the challenge overall with the fastest time in the boy's category.
Southern Ute tribal member, Leandra Litz (right), swims to the finish line of the triathlon known as the Ute Warrior Challenge. Athletes ran, biked, and swam throughout Towaoc.
Miss Southern Ute, Autumn Sage gives remarks to the crowd of Tri-Ute Athletes during the closing ceremony on Friday, July 10.
Tri-Ute Athletes, Coaches, and Organizers enjoy lunch provided during the Closing Ceremony hosted by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Teams eagerly await the results of each contest held throughout the week.
Skysun Manning competed in Wrestling for Team Southern Ute on Monday, July 6.
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe passes the “Ute Circle of Life” Flag to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, closing the five-day Tri-Ute event. Ute Mountain Recreation Center staff pass on the “Ute Circle of Life” flag signifying that the Southern Ute Indian Tribe is next to host the Tri-Ute Games in Ignacio, Colo.
Tri-Ute Games Athletes representing the Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Southern Ute Indian Tribe gather for the Closing Ceremony on Friday afternoon.
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | The Southern Ute Drum
