Dear Terry, Percy , Brandon, and Carla,
To me the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is all about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that those of us who remain may lead a better life!
For the 9th straight year participation has increased. Recap:
Wrestling: 80 participants
Basketball: 996 participants (83 teams)
Baseball: 220 participants (11 teams)
Volleyball: 276 participants (23 teams)
Cross Country: 32 participants
Track: 42 participants
Softball: 480 participants (24 teams)
Grand Total 2,126
Summary:
First of all Wrestling, for a first year event 80 participants is outstanding! I feel this sport will grow and be a strong contingency in the future.
Basketball continues to produce high numbers of athletes. Operationally I feel we do a very good job in our largest sport.
Baseball: My plan is to approach the Arizona Diamondbacks to combine our resources and enhance the sport
Volleyball has leveled off. We need to research our recruiting efforts to increase participation
Track and Field and Cross Country: I thought that making these events “FREE” would be more of a factor. Operationally we need to improve Cross Country significantly and be more diligent in recruiting Track and Field athletes.
Softball dropped slightly this year due to financial reasons for multi divisional teams.
Trust me when I say that I am very conscience of the obligation and the responsibility to maintain the integrity of this important endeavor. It is my heartfelt commitment hoping that Lori would be pleased and that the family posses a deep sense of pride in the ownership of the largest Native American Sports festival of its kind in the country. WE ARE DOING OUR BEST!
With Deep love and respect,
Rainmaker
Monday, July 19, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
"One of Our Own"
In 1994 our athlete of the year was Michael Slaughter! Michael was an accomplished track athlete and and an avid bowler!
The difference is that Michael was blind and confined to a wheel chair.For 18 years Michal found a way by bus transportation to our events. He was a loyal participant, always interested in doing his best.
Michael passed away last week from natural causes resulting from a fall.He will be missed.He was truly "One of Our Own!"
Wid
The difference is that Michael was blind and confined to a wheel chair.For 18 years Michal found a way by bus transportation to our events. He was a loyal participant, always interested in doing his best.
Michael passed away last week from natural causes resulting from a fall.He will be missed.He was truly "One of Our Own!"
Wid
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Someone Special
Summer Games Power Player
Every once in a while a fabulous human interest story presents itself. We have one for you. This years Power Player for swimming ! Thirteen-year-old Joe Underwood really learned to swim before his 4th birthday when his first teacher, a specialist in working with the disabled, tossed him in his backyard pool, leg braces, clothes and all. He is now a familiar sight at USA Swimming meets around the Phoenix area as he lines up behind the blocks in his wheelchair. Joe began swimming competitively at age 8 with AZ Disabled Sports, and Joe now holds a dozen national records for junior disability swimming and has begun traveling to US Paralympics meets seeking to represent the US in London in 2012. As a mentor to children with new spinal cord injuries at St Joseph’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Joe spreads the message of empowerment that comes from athletics for individuals with disabilities. While he rarely wins races at USA swimming meets, he enjoys the competition and the camaraderie with his team mates and benefits from the training as much as any of them. He hopes to be seen as a role model to other disabled kids, encouraging them to be as active as anyone and find ways to pursue their dreams regardless of their abilities.
Every once in a while a fabulous human interest story presents itself. We have one for you. This years Power Player for swimming ! Thirteen-year-old Joe Underwood really learned to swim before his 4th birthday when his first teacher, a specialist in working with the disabled, tossed him in his backyard pool, leg braces, clothes and all. He is now a familiar sight at USA Swimming meets around the Phoenix area as he lines up behind the blocks in his wheelchair. Joe began swimming competitively at age 8 with AZ Disabled Sports, and Joe now holds a dozen national records for junior disability swimming and has begun traveling to US Paralympics meets seeking to represent the US in London in 2012. As a mentor to children with new spinal cord injuries at St Joseph’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Joe spreads the message of empowerment that comes from athletics for individuals with disabilities. While he rarely wins races at USA swimming meets, he enjoys the competition and the camaraderie with his team mates and benefits from the training as much as any of them. He hopes to be seen as a role model to other disabled kids, encouraging them to be as active as anyone and find ways to pursue their dreams regardless of their abilities.
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