Actor Adam Beach to be part of NAIG closing ceremonies
- Jeanelle Mandes | July 13, 2014
Starting off with an opening prayer, pow-wow drumming with two young dancers, the CEO of the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), Ron Crowe, announced five major sponsors, the Closing Ceremonies performers and First Nations actor Adam Beach's role at this year's games in Regina.
The Canadian & Saskatchewan Building & Construction Trade Unions, TransCanada, The Atco Group, SaskCulture and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) are the major sponsors for NAIG.
"The sponsors are a part of the partnerships that we are developing. We're very pleased to have them on board with us," says crowe.
Terry Parker, Business Manager of the Saskatchewan Building & Construction Trade Council, says they are pleased to be one of the major sponsors for this year's games.
"We're proud and honored to part of this important event. Sports provides an opportunity to prepare our young people to not only be successful on the field but in life," says Parker.
In addition to the sponsorship announcement, Crowe says NAIG is still in need of more volunteers and has revealed an incentive to get people to help out. Golden Globe First Nations actor, Adam Beach, will be the special honourary ambassador for the upcoming games.
"We're really glad to have Adam Beach come here and to be a part of our NAIG,"he adds.Beach was shown through a recorded message displayed on a big screen, encouraging everyone to step up and volunteer to see amazing athletes gathering from all over North America to compete.
Beach will be bringing a pop-up movie theatre showcasing blockbuster movies on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 at the First Nations University of Canada, which will be free for all athletes and volunteers.
"We would like more volunteers and we would like to hit that goal of 2000. We're at 1,400 right now so we have a ways to go yet," says Crowe.
He says if they don't reach the goal of 2,000, volunteers will be double-shifting. He hopes by asking for more from our volunteers, it will lessen the load if people come out and contribute back to the community.
"The NAIG is more than sports. It's also about sharing and showcasing culture and performance demonstrations. We've lined up some great performers to be part of the games and part of the legacy and entertainment," says Crowe.
The entertainment line up for the Closing Ceremonies was also announced: Sagkeeng's Finest, Andrea Menard and Juno Award winners A Tribe Called Red.