Team Colorado’s volleyball team take their turn

Team Colorado waits their turn to enter into Mosaic Stadium

Tribal members from Southern Ute and Ute Mountain

Ellie Seibel, Michelle Simmons and Chloe Seibel

Team Colorado’s volleyball team take their turn holding the Team Colorado banner during the opening ceremony.

Team Colorado pose for a quick photo before boarding the bus beginning their journey to the Great White North. A blessing was done by Southern Ute tribal elder Byron Frost and a prayer offered for a safe journey as the team compete in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada during the 2014 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), July 20 through July 26.

Team Colorado waits their turn to enter into Mosaic Stadium for the opening ceremony of the North American Indigenous Games in Regina, Saskatchewan Sunday, July 19.

Members of the Team Colorado U19 boy’s basketball team pose with the Colorado banner before the North American Indigenous Games Opening Ceremony, Sunday July 20 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Michael Mills, Ute Mountain, carries in the Colorado state flag into the opening ceremony of the North American Indigenous Games.

Tribal members from Southern Ute and Ute Mountain wave their tribal flags up high during roll call at Mosaic Stadium Sunday, July 19.

Anthony Suina, U19 Boys Basketball, shows his Colorado pride as he enters into the opening ceremony, Sunday, July 19.

Miss Ute Mountain, Ayesha Clark, glances at her nametag decorated with pins from fellow tribes at the North American Indigenous Games, in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Ellie Seibel, Michelle Simmons and Chloe Seibel – U19 girl’s basketball – smile as Team Colorado is introduced to the energetic crowd, Sunday, July 19.

Teams proudly represented their tribes, displaying their traditional regalia during the opening ceremony.

Indigenous people of all ages gathered in Regina to celebrate culture and competition.

19 and under girl’s basketball pose for photo after beating The Eastern Door & The North Monday, July 21 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Chantelle Manuel, finishes the job draining her two freethrows vs Team Ontario Tuesday, July 22.

Team Colorado U19 boy’s basketball battled with Team New Brunswick till the very end. Team Colorado couldn’t hold on, and loss 61-60.

Clay Seibel, U14 Boys Basketball, drives to the basket during Team Colorado’s win versus Northwest Territories Monday, July 20. U14 boys finished out the games taking fourth place, losing to Team British Columbia in the bronze-medal match, Wednesday, July 22.

Albert Redd III hits a shot out of the rough on hole North 6 at Tor Hills Golf Course, Wednesday, July 23.

Natoni Cundiff is representing Team Colorado in the 17 under golf competition at NAIG.

Keiston Goodtracks-Alires hits a shot down the fairway at Tor Hills Golf Course in Regina, Saskatchewan, Wednesday, July, 23.

Photo Credit: Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum

Team Colorado competes in Canada, NAIG 2014

Friday - July 25, 2014 by Sacha Smith | The Southern Ute Drum

As of Thursday, July 24 half of the participating sports at the North American Indigenous games have come to an end.

Team Colorado began its journey to the games on Friday, July 18 making the 1,200 mile trip from Ignacio, Colo. to Regina, Saskatchewan to represent Colorado.

BASKETBALL

The day after Team Colorado’s arrival in Canada, the girls and boys basketball teams kicked off the games before the opening ceremony even began.

Team Colorado had three basketball teams competing in the games: one girl’s 19 and under team, and two boy’s teams – 19 and under and 14 and under. The girls team and the 14 and under boy’s team both made it to the medal rounds Wednesday, July 23. The girls took on Team Manitoba and the boys rallied with Team British Columbia.

Unfortunately, both teams lost in the bronze medal matches and ended up taking fourth place in their respected divisions. The U19 boys made for some exciting games at the University of Regina going down to the buzzer with Team New Brunswick on Tuesday, July 22. The boy’s 19 and under basketball team ended their run in the consolation bracket losing to Team Florida on Wednesday July 23.

Though no medals were won in basketball, Team Colorado made a statement about how basketball is played in Colorado, showing tremendous heart and admirable sportsmanship.

BADMINTON

Badminton started the games off Monday, July 21 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Team Colorado made a statement to fellow competitors being the only U.S. team to have a badminton team. Thus, making badminton an international competition.

Freedom Hunter and Randy Herrera represented for Team Colorado – and the U.S.– on the badminton courts for three days. The boys went toe-to-toe with skilled Canadian teams and showed no fear.

No medals were won in badminton, but Team Colorado left an impression on all teams that badminton is not only a Canadian sport. Their participation can serve as inspiration to fellow U.S. teams to pursue badminton at the next North American Indigenous Games.

ART PROGRAM

Ayesha Clark and Michael Mills, Ute Mountain, have been involved in the Art Program provided at NAIG. The Art Program has been busy all week helping plan and design the closing ceremony Saturday, July 26.

Volleyball, Golf, Swimming and Archery to end the games

Team Colorado has one 19 and under girl’s volleyball team, four golfers, one swimmer, and four archers currently competing. There were no standings or results available at press time.

Team Colorado stats as of July 23

U19 GIRLS BASKETBALL

Vs Eastern Door & The North: Final: 47-26 Team Colorado wins

Vs Ontario: Final: 60-30 Ontario wins

Vs Team Nunavut: Final: 66-27

Vs Team New York: Final: 67-25 Team Colorado wins

U14 BOYS BASKETBALL

Vs Ontario: Final: 37-33 Ontario loses

Vs Northwest Territory: Final: 50-33 Team Colorado wins

Vs Alberta: Final: 50-45 Team Colorado wins

U19 BOYS BASKETBALL

Vs Manitoba: Final: 81-48 Manitoba loses

Vs New Brunswick: Final: 61-60 Team Colorado loses

Vs Nova Scotia: Final: 70-40 Team Colorado loses

BADMINTON

Team Colorado was the only U.S. team to have a badminton team; making the sport an international competition.