PROVINCE WELCOMES NAIG BID COMMITTEE

The North American Indigenous Games Bid Committee arrives in Regina today. The six-member committee will be evaluating Regina this week as a possible host city for the 2008 North American Indigenous Games.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan submitted the joint bid earlier this year.

If the bid is successful, the Province of Saskatchewan has committed to contributing 35 per cent of the cost of the Games, up to a maximum of $3.5 million.

"The benefits would be tremendous," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "Events such as the North American Indigenous Games encourage physical activity and well-being in First Nations and Metis communities, and they help develop the skills needed for success in life outside the sporting world -- leadership, teamwork, discipline and decision-making."

The Games also feature a strong cultural component, helping to foster pride in Aboriginal heritage as well as promoting an understanding of First Nations and Metis culture within the non-Aboriginal community.

The NAIG Bid Committee will be touring Regina over the next several days to determine if the city is a suitable venue.

"We're confident the Committee will like what they see," Beatty said. "Regina already has excellent facilities in place, and the legacy left by the 2005 Canada Games will only improve on that."

If Regina gets the Games, over 6,000 athletes are expected to gather in the city, along with another 1,300 coaches, officials, support staff and administrators. More than 3,000 volunteers will help with every aspect of the Games. Beatty said the economic impact will be substantial. For example, the 2002 North American Indigenous Games, held in Winnipeg, injected $61 million into the Manitoba economy.

After visiting Regina the committee will move on to Cowichan, British Columbia, the only other community in the running to host the Games. A decision is expected in October.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967