Ute athletes go head-to-head once again

Nate Hendren passes the ball to a nearby teammate during the first round of basketball games at the Ute Mountain Ute Recreation Center on Tuesday, July 26.

16- 18 Girls Basketball Team A and Team C wait for a three-point shot to fall into the net.

16-18 Girls Basketball teams A and B during their first game.

Team Southern Ute athletes pose alongside members of the Southern Ute Tribal Council before dinner is served at the Opening Ceremonies.

A Team Southern Ute athlete serves the ball to her opposing team.

Coaches Franklin “Frankie” Thompson and Leora Lucero pose together during the first volleyball game, Thompson and Lucero also referee the volleyball games.

Ute Games Volunteer Coach Bird Red, fist bumps Southern Ute tribal member and athlete Tamarius Roland after his first basketball game on Tuesday, July 26.

Volleyball Team #3 gets ready for the serve from Team #2 during their first game at the Ute Games.

Ute Mountain Ute volunteer staff serve dinner to athletes, coaches, and visitors on Monday, July 25 at the Ute Mountain Ute Casino.

Team Southern Ute entering the Indian Village arena during the Opening Ceremony’s Grand Entry.

Little Miss Ute Mountain Ute, Jaylyn Begay, introduces herself to all Ute Games attendees.

USMC and Southern Ute Veterans Association Vice Commander, Gordon Hammond, leads the Opening Ceremony’s Grand Entry procession while carrying the American Flag. Veterans of the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes led the athletes, royalty, and council members into the Indian Village arena at the Ute Mountain Ute Casino on Monday, July 25.

Ute Mountain Ute Vice-Chairman Archie House Jr. welcomes attendees during the Opening Ceremonies.

Aubree Lucero high fives opponents after a third game win during the first round of volleyball. Teams mixed players from both tribes so that the athletes could become more familiar with each other.

Boy’s 9-11 year old Basketball Team #2 vs Team #3 on Tuesday, July 26.

Team Ute Mountain Ute athlete shoots a three-pointer during the halftime of the second basketball game held on Tuesday, July 26.

Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum

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Fri Jul 29th, 2022 , by Divine Windy Boy |

The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe kindly welcomed the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s athletes at this year’s Ute Games held in Towaoc, Colo., Monday, July 25 through Wednesday, July 27. Athletes, coaches, volunteers, and local visitors enjoyed the opening ceremonies on Monday, July 27 which included welcome addresses from both Ute Councils, Ute Mountain Ute Royalty, and SunUte Community Center Director, Robin Duffy-Wirth followed by dinner. The games began the following day with basketball, volleyball, and handgame competitions. Athletes were mingled together rather than playing for their respective tribal affiliation to get more acquainted with each other. Unfortunately, the Ute Indian Tribe was unable to attend this year; their participants were deeply missed. The sister tribes look forward to reconnecting at the next Ute Games — set to be hosted in Ignacio for 2023.