Games for all

BEHCHOKO/RAE-EDZO - Today is expected to be a big day in Behchoko as the community celebrates Aboriginal Day.
Recreation co-ordinator Ericson Sanguez said along with the ceremonial parade, there will be some sporting events for people in the community.
"There's going to be some canoe races, some games for the kids and traditional games like tea boiling," he said.
Sanguez also said the community is planning on having more activities and sports for Canada Day on July 1.

Bruneau thinking big

HAY RIVER - Judoka Mason Bruneau from Hay River is on his way to the National Junior Judo Championships in Lethbridge, Alta., which begins on July 2. Bruneau will be competing in the U-17 boys division and has his sights set very high, said his mother, Yvette Bruneau.
"He's been telling me he's going to be number one," she said. "That's all he's been saying."
Bruneau has tasted success in past events, such as the Edmonton International Judo Open, where he won a silver medal. He will be joining other judoka from Yellowknife under the watch of sensei Mario Desforges.

Batter up!

AKLAVIK - Slo-pitch is starting to take shape in Aklavik.
Recreation co-ordinator Dean McLeod said there seems to be plenty of interest in the community this year.
"We have people going to the ball field on Mondays and Wednesdays just to have some scrimmages," he said. "They're for anyone who wants to play."McLeod said people also come out and watch, even if they don't want to play.
As well, McLeod said the pool was expected to have its grand opening on June 16.
"We're just waiting for a water test to come back, but I think it will be open by then," he said. "The kids are really looking forward to it."

Off for now

LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The Longest Day of the Year mixed slo-pitch tournament, scheduled for June 18 to 20 in Fort Simpson, has been postponed due to low numbers.
Recreation co-ordinator Nathan McPherson said it wouldn't have been good to try and push ahead.
"We only had one team sign up to play," he said.
McPherson did say he's hoping to hold the tournament later in the year, possibly in August.

Celebrating in style

ARVIAT - The hamlet of Arviat is gearing up for its big Canada Day celebrations with many activities for people both young and old on July 1.
Recreation co-ordinator Clive Alareak said he's planning on having a bunch of games both indoors and outdoors. "There's going to be running games outdoors and we'll have card games, dice games and other activities indoors," he said.The indoor games will be held at the community hall.

New man in charge

KIMMIRUT/LAKE HARBOUR - There is a new person in charge of the recreation scene in Kimmirut. Tommy Palluq took over as the recreation coordinator on May 17. Palluq replaces Jamesie Judea, who left the position earlier this year.
Palluq said he's still getting used to his job. "It's a big learning curve right now," he said. "Everything's up in the air right now, but I'm working on getting some things going."Palluq said he has a number of proposals he's working on, but they're all in the planning stages at this point.

Here fishy-fishy

IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY - The hamlet is planning on hosting a pre-Canada Day fishing derby on June 26. Recreation co-ordinator Fred Muise said the event will begin bright and early at 7 a.m.
"The fishing will take place at Greiner Lake around Mount Pelly," he said. Char and trout are the most popular species of fish and Muise said the winner will be determined on the longest fish caught.
On Canada Day itself, there are plenty of activities planned. There will be a fun run, a ping-pong tournament at the community hall, an outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament on the outdoor courts by the community hall and a nine-hole golf tournament at Many Pebbles Golf Course.
Muise said all of those events are open to everyone of all ages and will all begin at 1 p.m.