by FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2020
NAIG 2020 Postpones July Games
The North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council and NAIG 2020 Host Society are announcing to all our athletes, funders, partners and friends that the Games, scheduled to be held July 12 – 18 in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Aldershot and Millbrook, have been postponed due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19. During the coming weeks, NAIG Council and the NAIG 2020 team, along with funders and partners, will be exploring options around the postponement.
“The collective goal for all of us at this time is to keep everyone safe and healthy,” says Tex Marshall, President of NAIG 2020. “To abide by the recommendations and guidance of the Nova Scotia government and its healthcare professionals is critical to slowing and eliminating this pandemic, even if it means the delay of something amazing. We at NAIG 2020 are proud of Nova Scotia’s remarkable and unfaltering efforts during this crisis.”
The North American Indigenous Games have always been about young athletes, and the opportunity and the change sport and culture can bring to their lives. While there will be much planning ahead, it is our intention to work towards the full experience for these young athletes, in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). Plans include exploring special concessions to ensure that athletes eligible to compete at the Halifax 2020 NAIG remain eligible to participate in the rescheduled Games.
Says Dale Plett, President of the Council, “The magic of the Games, even before they happened, had already begun to reverberate throughout the beautiful city of Halifax. The focus now is for NAIG Council to work with the Host Society, NAIG funding partners and other key stakeholders to deliver the Games, in Halifax, in 2021. Until then, let’s hold onto the idea of celebration and join together, then—Indigenous and others—next summer.”
About the NAIG 2020 Host Society: The Host Society oversees, develops and implements all planning for the Games. The event is the largest multi-sport and cultural event ever to be held in Atlantic Canada. More than 5000 athletes, coaches and team staff from 756 Indigenous nations will take part in cultural celebrations and compete in 16 sports across 21 venues, with the help of 3000 volunteers. NAIG 2020 was scheduled to take place from July 12 to 18 in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Millbrook First Nation, and Aldershot, Nova Scotia.
About North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council: The NAIG Council is the International Governing Body for NAIG and helps actualize the collective potential of the bodies, minds, and spirit of our people and their hopes and dreams. The Council oversees all matters pertaining to the Games, including the inclusion of purposes and philosophies during the event that are consistent with the cultural, spiritual and traditional values of the peoples represented in the games. In all activities, the Council ensures the promotion and encouragement of holistic, individual development that assures mental, physical, emotional and spiritual growth.
– 30-
Media contact:
Karalee Clerk, Marketing, Communications & Media 902-430-2341
karalee.clerk@naig2020. com
