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Fort Providence hosts cross-country races
Kids dodge bison droppings and mud at NWT championships

Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, October 14, 2010

DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE - Fort Providence was stampeded by runners from around the territory who competed at the NWT School Cross Country Championships on Oct. 1.

NNSL photo/graphic

From left, Sadee Simba, Nyah Simba and Nicole Irwin compete for glory during the NWT School Cross-Country Championships in Fort Providence on Oct. 1. - photos courtesy of George Urban

Around 300 athletes from 19 of the territory's 49 schools participated in the annual event.

Fort Resolution was originally scheduled to host the races, but an unexpected situation meant the event was moved to Fort Providence.

Every student from kindergarten to Grade 8 at Kakisa Lake School participated principal George Urban said.

The group drove from Kakisa to Fort Providence to attend.

Urban said though the group didn't take home any medals, all the kids enjoyed the day.

"We had 100 per cent participation," he said. "I don't think we walked away with any big trophies, but we all got ribbons and had a wonderful time."

Participants were divided into different age and gender categories before competing.

Grade 7 student Dalton Simba said he enjoyed travelling to Fort Providence and taking part because it made his parents proud.

"My mom and dad like me participating," he said.

Classmate Joey Lacorne said the races are a way to exercise and have a good time.

"It's just to have fun running," he said. "It's a good way to get active."

Grade 3 student Sadee Simba said she enjoyed participating, both because she liked running in the races and because she enjoyed spending time in Fort Providence.

"We just only have one store," she said. "They have two stores."

She said her favourite part of the event was, "when I ran really fast."

Urban said other than the obvious physical benefits of running, activities such as cross-country races can provide an avenue for children to interact with kids from other communities.

"I think they gain a lot from just socializing and competing with students from others schools and other communities," he said.

Organizer Chris Carson said he agreed.

"All of the kids seem to make friends," he said.

Despite some muddy conditions and bison droppings along some parts of the race course, Carson said the races went off without a hitch.

"We had to clear about 15 loads of it from the finish line to make sure no one stepped in them," he said.

Next year's tournament is scheduled to be held in Behchoko.

-with files from James McCarthy

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