N'dilo (Dec 22/03) - As the morning wore on, it became evident that some athletes wouldn't be arriving for the regional Dene Games trials.

That didn't stop the competition though, as nine senior and 10 junior boys vied for four spots on each team that will advance to the territorial trials, Jan. 28 in Dettah.

The boys represented six communities, flocking to N'dilo from Hay River, Fort Providence, Rae/Edzo, Dettah and one even flying in from Lutsel K'e.

Bobby Drygeese thinks four or five athletes didn't show up because they were out on the land, hunting and trapping.

The competitors that were able to drive and fly to the N'dilo gym on Dec. 12 were there to win.

"It was a really good competition," said Drygeese, the recreation director for the community.

The athletes showed off their prowess in two outdoor events and three indoor events: the snow snake, the pole push, the stick pull, the finger pull and hand games.

Drygeese thinks the teams selected have a pretty good chance at the territorial trials. If they win there, the athletes will go on to the Arctic Winter Games in Fort McMurray, Alta.

"I think they should do well," he says.

Most of all, Drygeese is excited for the eight athletes to experience Dene games at a higher level of competition.

On the senior team, Manny Buckley and Leonard Daignault from the Hay River Reserve took the top two positions. Ryan Larson from Fort Providence and Damian Kailek from Lutsel K'e won the last two spots.

Galvin Tinqui and Frederick Zoe from Rae-Edzo were selected to the junior team, with Gordie Liske from Dettah and James Buckley from the Hay River Reserve rounding out the team.

Brenden Camsell from Rae/Edzo and Trevor Betsina from N'dilo will join the senior and junior teams as alternates if any players are unable to attend.