NAIG 2014 Profiles: Justin Smallchild
- Jeanelle Mandes | July 07, 2014
JUSTIN SMALLCHILD
AGE: 15
RESERVE: BEARDY'S & OKEMASIS
SPORT: LANCE RUNNER
Increasing awareness and excitement for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), the Lance Run kicked off July 1 in Prince Albert, SK.
Justin Smallchild, one of NAIG's Lance runners, was excited when he found out he was picked as one of many runners.
"My teacher wanted me to join, so I tried it. A lot of people were surprised that I got in and they were happy for me," he says. "I was really surprised and happy."
So far, the Lance Run has been to Batoche, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Flying Dust and is currently in Waterhen heading to Canoe Lake.
There are many benefits for those running with the Lance stick and runners have many reasons why they chose to run.
"It's a chance to meet people and run for people who can't run, especially for my family and my friends. They've always been there for me," he says.
He's been preparing for the Lance Run by training himself almost on daily basis doing running laps and squats in his home community.
So far, he's enjoying his experience and says he's having a lot of fun on his adventure.
"I've met new people, new friends and making new memories to take home."
The Lance Run will be making 15 stops all over Saskatchewan before arriving at their final destination in Regina on July 19, the day before the Opening Ceremonies kick off.
Be sure to check out more NAIG athlete profiles on our Interviews or Sports page.