From August 15 to 18 the Tsawout and Tsartlip nations will be hosting the 14th Annual Coast Salish Games on the Peninsula. The games, which encompass the 19 nations and three friendship centres that make up the Coast Salish people’s territory, will feature three sports (canoe, ball hockey, and soccer) and various activities at three different venues for aboriginal youth aged 5-17.
“The main purpose of the games is to get people out from all our nations, especially youth, to share in the effort of improving the lives of our youth through healthy competition,” said Bonnie Joe, the recreation administrative assistant at Tsawout. “This event has been running for 14 years so we’re hoping to have another great year.”
The week will kick off with a welcome ceremony at 10 a.m. on Aug. 15 with chiefs from Tsawout and Tsartlip welcoming Lieutenant Governor Steven L. Point. Then, the activities begin.
Canoeing, which will take place at the main Tsartlip beach, will be held on Aug. 15. Soccer, which will take place at Centennial Park, will be held Aug. 16 through 18. Ball hockey, which will take place at Tsawout in the gymnasium, will run throughout the week. Other activities will include youth dance, skills competitions, inspirational speakers, and other special entertainment.
About 400 people are expected to turn out, Joe said.
“Families travel from all the nations and friendship centres of the Coast Salish people which goes as far up as Nanoose Bay, so we should have lots of participants,” she said.
Spectators are welcome during the games.
