Nuu-chah-nulth people are having their own version of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England right here in Port Alberni.
The 2012 Tlu-piich Games in Port Alberni have kicked off and are running until Aug. 12.
The games started with canoe races on Tuesday and an opening ceremony at Maht Mahs gym.
A grand entrance plus track and field events were held on Wednesday.
Participation at the games peaked at 1,000 people in 2011 and this year is expected to increase.
“Since the revival of the games in 2009 the participation has increased by 500 each year, this year we are expecting around 1,500,” games coordinator Richard Samuel said.
The games are about more than sports and more than medals, said outgoing Nuu-chah-Nulth Tribal Council vice president Priscilla Sabbas-Watts.
“The Tlu-piich Games are something that Nuu-chah-nulth of all ages look forward to and hold cherished memories of,” Sabbas-Watts said.
The games will feature staple events such as track and field, basketball, volleyball, fast pitch, slow pitch and as well as a cultural ev
ents such as Lahal, or bone games.
Swimming starts at Echo Pool on Thursday afternoon and softball — both slo and fast pitch —start on Saturday.
The games conclude on Sunday after the softball finals.
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