LITTLE CURRENT—Little Current Public School (LCPS) student Charmaine Webkamigad loves playing hockey, but the 13-year-old is a very well-rounded athlete. Charmaine participated in the Ontario Summer Indigenous Games in Ottawa from July 28 to 31 where she scored big time as a runner, winning silver in the three- and 800-metre races and topping that with gold medals in the 1,500-metre and five kilometre events.
“She clocked in at 13 minutes and 35 seconds for her five-kilometre run,” noted proud mother Charlene Webkamigad. “Charmaine is a resident of Little Current and attends LCPS, but she is originally from Wiikwemkoong.”
Charmaine is happiest when she is outside and running, noted her mother. “She is often seen smiling as she runs and enjoys long distances like five kilometres.” But hockey is her first love. “She played for the Manitoulin Panthers this past year and hopes to play hockey again this coming winter.”
When it comes to the long game, Charmaine is eyeing a career in the health field. “She is hoping to become a surgeon,” said her mother, who is a registered nurse, holds a master’s degree and is currently a PhD candidate.
Charmaine was assisted in her Summer Indigenous Games quest by sponsors Mike Wabano, Alanna Trudeau, Seraphine Ominika, Jennifer Recollet and Ashley Manitowabi.