by Sharon Lavallee
SAULT STE. MARIE—Wikwemikong youth sent a strong representation to the Ontario Aboriginal U18 Volleyball Championships in Sault Ste. Marie this past weekend.
The provincial tournament prepares athletes for the upcoming North American Indigenous Games, which will be taking place in Toronto in July of next year.
Although this was not an official try-out, the tournament in Sault Ste. Marie served as an identifier and time will tell which players were scouted by Team Ontario coaches. The senior boys’ team gave it all their best, losing in the third set of an exciting battle against Treaty Three, making them the Ontario Silver medalists at the tournament.
Not only did the senior boys fair well in this tournament, the junior boys’ and girls’ teams made every effort be the successful champions of the bronze medal games only to be defeated in the end, finishing fourth place in Ontario.
All 21 players who made up the three Wikwemikong teams had an enjoyable, exciting and amazing weekend, even though it proved to be “very exhausting” with early games, late games and some games being held very close together.
A heartful “miigwetch” (thank you) went out to the two coaches, Deana Debassige and Daphne Corbiere. They showed excellent dedication and commitment throughout the weekend, as well as practices leading up to the weekend, preparing the youth with great team buildings, skills development and an overall appreciation of the game.
Wikwemikong’s own Eugene Eshkawkogan stepped up to the plate to give them a helping hand with coaching when all three Wikwemikong teams had games at the same time at the tournament.
The teams thanked their sponsors, which included the Wikwemikong chief and council, the Wikwemikong Health Centre, the Wikwemikong Youth Centre, the Wikwemikong Board of Education and all those individuals that supported the team’s fundraising endeavours.
More pictures and information on upcoming tournaments or try-outs can be found on the Aboriginal Sports and Wellness Council of Ontario Facebook page.
