HAY RIVER
Young people from schools in the Deh Cho put in a strong showing at this year's NWT Track and Field Championships in Hay River.

Nellie Cournoyea, the chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, said everyone should be enjoying the 31st anniversary of Inuvialuit Day June 5. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

The championship ran from June 3 to 5 and brought together students from across the territory to compete.

Representing Echo Dene School in Fort Liard, Dylan Steeves scored third in the boys 14 to 15 Shot Put by throwing the four-kilogram ball 10.42 metres.

From Chief Julian Yendo School in Wrigley, Destiny Cli-Moses came in third in girls 10 to 11 softball throw, with a score of 21.8 metres.

Fort Providence's Deh Gah School placed second in men's 20 to 34 discus throw, courtesy of Andre Bolduc throwing 29.03 metres. Also from Deh Gah, Marina Walker came in third for girls 8 to 9 50-metre tyke preliminaries.

Gombee Jose, from Bompas Elementary School in Fort Simpson, placed third in girls seven-and-under standing long jump; second in girls seven-and-under 50-metre mite prelims and finals; and first and second, respectively, in girls seven-and-under 100-metre mite prelims and finals.

She came away with a gold medal for her age group.

Jose, a Grade 1 student, said her favourite part of track and field is running.

"If I go back to (the championships) next year, I want to run more," she said.

"It was hard to make the finals and the competition was hard, but I'm proud of how I did."

Thomas Simpson School (TSS) in Fort Simpson had Bryce Hardisty-Phillips place fourth in boys 14 to 15 javelin throw, clocking an impressive 27.28 metres and falling just short of third place.

Also from TSS, Rod Norwegian came in third in boys 16 to 17 discus throw, while Kevin Roche took second place in men's 18 to 19 long jump. Roche also placed first in the finals for the men's 18 to 19 100-metre junior event.

Makoos Buboire placed first in boys 14 to 15 discus throw.

Buboire's throw passed the 30-metre mark and outstripped the second place winner by two full metres.

TSS sent 29 athletes to the championships, with five in the Bantam division, 17 in the Midget division, three in the Junior division and four in the Juvenile division. TSS phys-ed teacher Kristen Morrison said one of the tightest competitions was the men's 18 to 19 100-metre junior.

"(Roche) made it this year; it was a super tight race, and he just ducked his chest in in the nick of time as three of them crossed the finish line," she said. "The entire event was very exciting; all the students go to watch each other and cheer."

Morrison said the children weren't able to use the recreation centre or swimming pool like they normally do, since those facilities are currently closed.

The opening ceremony was held outside and Morrison said the organizers brought in performers from Yellowknife to have a little concert for the athletes.

'Students loved it'

"The students loved it. It's a good time for them, because if they only played, say, outdoor soccer, they wouldn't travel for sports until the end of the year," she said. "It's a really good opportunity for them to socialize with their peers."

All in all, Morrison characterizes the year as a success. Moving forward, she is hoping TSS can get a better jump pit for its students to practise in.

"There are certain boards you have to step on for the long jump," she explained. "Our pit needs to be filled with proper sand, and our runway is fairly bumpy. Hopefully next year we can get that done."

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