The following members of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band participated in Team BC in the 2014 Regina North American Indigenous Games, held July 20 -27.
U16 Girls – Won Gold
Reiley Terbasket
Madison Terbasket
U16 Boys – Won Silver
Treyton Waardenburg
Sterling Peterson
JJ Allison
U14 Girls – Won Gold
Shianna Allison
U19 Girls
Nicola Terbasket
All of these youth are members and/or alumni of the Syilx Basketball Team. The team is made up of Okanagan Nation youth between the ages of 13-17.
The focus for participation in sports and the Aboriginal games is to increase youth skills and give them the opportunity to develop in the sport.
It is hoped the lessons they learn from being involved with the team are lessons that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives: team work, respect, work ethic, sportsmanship, and success to mention a few. Youth sports also serve as an invaluable way to keep indigenous youth in shape and healthy.
Peter Waardenburg, who coached the team, grew up in Keremeos. He also had an opportunity to be the assistant coach at the games.
Team BC archers won three medals—one gold, two bronze after five sessions at the Wascana Archery Range. Similkameen resident Alex Rousseau, shooting with a traditional bow, completed five sessions for a total score of 648, winning gold. He posted the best score in each of the first three sessions and cruised to victory with solid scores in the final two sessions.