Citizen Potawatomi Nation and Amateur Athletic Union host First Nations Competitive Games

Citizen Potawatomi Nation and the Amateur Athletic Union are teaming up to host the First Nations Competitive Games August 2-4. The Games will include golf, softball and baseball and bowling.

“We are excited to host the First Nations Competitive Games so that we can showcase the tremendous Native American talent we have in our state,” said Linda Capps, Vice-Chairman, Citizen Potawatomi Nation. “We look forward to building our relationship with AAU and encouraging native youth to be active and learn the value of playing as a team.”

Participants must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe in Oklahoma, 12-15 years old and a member of AAU. Participants may compete in more than one event.

AAU registration will begin at 8 a.m. at the west side of FireLake Arena and cost $16 per individual. Participants can register as a team or as an individual. Each event will make teams based on availability and age groups. All events will begin at 9 a.m.

“The benefits are great for the youth as far as becoming a member of AAU,” said Tracy Peltier, AAU First Nations Representative. “They will participate in good positive games, learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship and will be helping themselves stay physically fit while doing so.”

Admission to First Nations Competitive Games is free. The $16 fee is for one year membership to AAU and insurance on all games played outside of school during that active membership.

 “We hope to use this partnership to reach out to our Native American families to give their children the opportunity to participate in games where they might not be able to afford or have the resources available to do so,” added Peltier. “We agree that sportsmanship and teamwork is a value learned in this participation alongside the importance of our youth to stay physically fit.”

Trophies and participation medals, based on availability, will be awarded for each event.

For questions, please contact Allana Gay at 405-275-3121.

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. Find out more about the AAU by visiting http://aausports.org/.