Check out our 2011 Promo Video

Press Releases

for_immediate_release_nsmsg_2012_june_5.pdf
File Size: 597 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Picture
Full Colour Horizontal Logo
nsmsg_2012_logo_horizontal.jpg
File Size: 165 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File
Picture
Full Colour Vertical Logo
nsmsg_2012_logo_vertical_color.jpg
File Size: 210 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The anticipation is growing!  Eskasoni First Nation will officially host the 2012 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games from August 21st  – August 26th, 2012.  Preparation and upgrades have already begun for the various sporting, cultural and traditional events to be held this summer.

If last year’s successful summer games in Wagmatcook, when almost 1300 athletes from nine Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq communities participated, is any indication, then Eskasoni is sure to draw even bigger numbers. It is the third consecutive year for the summer games and since Eskasoni is the largest First Nation east of Quebec, the Chief and the summer games committee are preparing for the best summer games to date.

“It is a challenge we look forward to,” said Chief Leroy Denny of Eskasoni. “We are thrilled to be hosting the 2012 summer games.  Currently, we are upgrading our fields and we are happy to say that we will have two ball fields under the lights. This is big for Eskasoni,” said Chief Denny.

Two new sports will be introduced to this year’s summer games. The first one will be a different twist of an Iron Man (Triathlon) event where an athlete must complete three stages of the race to finish. The summer games will have the Mi’kmaq Iron Man where the athletes must swim, canoe and run.

The other new event, which is expected to generate the biggest buzz, is the fine art of grappling.  Grappling is any style or mix of styles that comprises techniques that rely on grabbing and controlling the opponent using body leverage through throws and take downs, pins and submissions. There is absolutely no striking in grappling. There will be different weight categories to enter.

Chief Denny also wants to encourage more people to volunteer before and during the games, “We need the Eskasoni spirit of giving to make this summer games the best. We encourage our community to come out, volunteer or support this great week-long event,” said Chief Denny.

The games are open to First Nation communities within Atlantic Canada.  All Atlantic Canadian communities are encouraged to participate. “It is very important to promote physical activity and healthy living to our youth and young adults.  Today our people are fighting all types of addictions and taking care of your health and body through eating right and exercising will create a new way of healthy living,” said Chief Denny.

“The summer games restore Mi’kmaq pride, when we come together as a Mi'kmaq Nation. I believe sports can take us long way and these summer games is a great opportunity to showcase our talented youth,” said Chief Denny.

            The confirmed sporting events are: Archery, Arm Wrestling, Badminton, Basketball, Canoeing, Darts, 5K Race, Floor Hockey, Golf, Horseshoes, Little League, Princess Pageant, School Yard Competition, Softball, Swimming, Track & Field, Mi’kmaq Iron Man, Tug of War, Volleyball, Grappling and the Mi’kmaq traditional game of Waltes.

In addition to 21 sporting events being offered, there will also be daily cultural workshops, demonstrations, live entertainment - including a Mi’kmaw Showcase, a firework display, nightly concerts, special guest speakers and much more.

Registration is now open for the 2012 games.   Applications can be obtained online at NSSummerGames.com.

For more information on the 2012 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games, please contact Dianne MacPhee, Executive Director by email at nssummergames@gmail.com or phone 902-371-7910.