Statement by Minister Qualtrough on the Opening of the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Français
The Government of Canada is proud to support the Toronto 2017 NAIG and its participating athletes, coaches and officials.
TORONTO, July 16, 2017 /CNW/ - As athletes parade into the Aviva Centre in Toronto this evening, they will be welcomed with impressive Indigenous performances that mark the beginning of the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG).
Over the next week, Indigenous athletes will display incredible speed, strength and skill in a number of different sports as they compete in one of the greatest cities in the world. We will witness unity, teamwork and perseverance as these athletes break records and achieve personal goals. Over 5,000 participants will come together through various sport events, allowing Indigenous young people to demonstrate their athletic abilities and celebrate their diverse heritage and cultures.
The Government of Canada is proud to support the Toronto 2017 NAIG and help build a system for Indigenous athletes that encourages life-long participation and physical activity, and supports those who wish to take the pathway to high performance. The Games are sure to leave a lasting impact on Canada's Indigenous athletes, coaches, officials and sport leaders.
I would like to thank the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, for attending the opening ceremony on my behalf. I am looking forward to seeing what this week of competition brings as we support Indigenous sport and continue to work towards reconciliation. I wish all the participants the best of luck and hope to hear their stories when I attend the closing ceremony on July 22.
I am proud to be a part of #Team88!
Thank you. Miigwech.
Additional information on the North American Indigenous Games can be found at http://naig2017.to/
Follow Minister Qualtrough on social media:
Twitter: @CQualtro
Instagram: mpcarlaqualtrough
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Ashley Michnowski, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, 613-697-8016, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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