Two Nuu-chah-nulth softball players from Port Alberni are headed to the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) this summer.
Hayleigh Watts and Jamie-Leigh Lucas have been named to the 16U Team BC softball roster. Both girls play with the Alberni Valley Minor Softball Association as members of the U15B Blazers.
Both girls were among more than 50 players who joined a tryout session in Victoria. They were then invited to a development camp before they were officially named to the roster.
Watts, 14 years old and a member of Tseshaht First Nation, says the experience has been “really great” so far.
“And the games will help with our future playing softball,” she said.
“Plus it will be a fun experience,” added Lucas, 13, who is from Hupacasath and Hesquiaht First Nations.
Neither of the girls have been to NAIG before. The games take place every four years and invite athletes from all across North America to participate. The 10th event, set for July 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, will bring together more than 750 Indigenous nations and 5,000 athletes. All competitors are Indigenous youth between the ages of 13 and 19.
But while Watts and Lucas are new to the games, they are not new to the world of sports. Watts, who pitches and plays third base, says she was first drawn to softball by her family.
“My family has played for a long time,” she explained. “So I started too, and I loved it.”
Lucas, meanwhile, plays “a bunch of sports,” but softball is one of her favourites. She usually plays shortstop, but will be playing outfield at the NAIG.
The girls have been having a successful season so far with the U15B Blazers. The team just won a gold medal during their Mother’s Day tournament, hosted in Port Alberni,
The NAIG will take place in Halifax from July 15-23. Neither of the girls have been to Nova Scotia, but say they are excited about the opportunity. They will be hosting a number of fundraisers between now and July for travel costs.
elena.rardon@albernivalleynews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
