Juno winner Leach to headline NAIG opening ceremonies
- Judy Bird | April 30, 2014
The Regina 2014 North American Indigenous Games has just added some star power to the Opening Ceremonies. Award-winning musician George Leach will be the headlining act for the event on Sunday, July 20 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.
"It's a big honour," said Leach of being asked to be the headlining act. "Hopefully what I do brings some good energy, some strong energy to support the games. I'm here to do what I can to support it."
While he is best known for his music, he is no stranger to the North American Indigenous Games either.
"Back in the day," as he put it, he participated as an athlete in fastball.
"It was so long ago," he joked.
In all seriousness, Leach knows the value of the games, and what it meant for him personally to compete.
"It was a very important motivational aspect for me because I was very athletic, and to have a goal set by your own community, when you have an opportunity to take part, to travel, to meet other athletes and just to be part of a big event, I think it's all around positive."
Along with entertaining, he hopes to give to the youth participating a bit of advice: "Be yourself, and strive to be the best of who you are. Nobody can be you better than you," said Leach.
Interim CEO Ron Crowe said Leach was a clear choice to headline the Opening Ceremonies.
"The fact that he's won a Juno, he's an Aboriginal entertainer, and a past participant in the Indigenous Games speaks well to the kind of development and leadership that the North American Indigenous Games can give individuals. I think he's just a natural fit," said Crowe.
Tickets to the Opening Ceremonies will cost $10 each, a nominal fee for what the event will offer, said Crowe.
"We're expecting to fill Mosaic Stadium for the opening ceremonies, and we're looking forward to a huge show, and a great show."
Tickets for the 2014 Regina NAIG Opening Ceremonies will be on sale starting April 30th at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster, or in Regina at the Brandt Centre. The event takes place at Mosaic Stadium; however, tickets are not available for purchase at the stadium.
With less than three months to go, the Regina 2014 NAIG is also still in need of volunteers for a variety of roles, including the Opening Ceremonies. For information and to sign up, visit NAIG's website.