DENINU KU'E/FORT RESOLUTION - The 2009 Dene Games - originally set for Aug. 7-9 in Fort Resolution - have been delayed because of a shortage of participants.

Aside from participants from Fort Resolution, only a team from Fort Providence had registered. The games have been rescheduled for Aug. 21-23.

The new deadline for entry is Aug. 14.

"We're going to give it one more try," said Eddy McKay, the recreation manager with Deninoo Community Council.

McKay said he hopes to get a minimum of two or three visiting teams to ensure a good competition.

Registration is $800 per community and teams must consist of four men and four women aged 18 and over.

The games are being sponsored by Deninoo Community Council and the Mackenzie Recreation Association. McKay noted there are 19 communities in the Mackenzie region.

McKay suggested that a small community might consider teaming up with a neighbouring community to send a combined team.

The games will feature 11 events - archery, bannock making, canoe races, coin toss, cross-country running, Dene baseball, dry fish making, log splitting, pole push, stick pull and tea boiling.