NAIG 2017 Profile: Xavier Paul
- EFN Staff | July 22, 2017
Xavier Paul was born and raised in Regina but will be making Toronto his home for one week from July 16-23 to compete in this year’s North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). Paul will be competing in the sport of kayaking – a sport that he started training throughout the winter.
Although he’s new to the sport, Paul attended NAIG 2008 in Denver, Colorado to cheer on his brother. This will be his first time attending NAIG as a participating athlete – an experience he is looking forward to.
“I’m excited to see the city of Toronto where the Blue Jays and Raptors play,” he said. “I hope my work hard all winter pays off to win medals,” he said.
Paul’s role model is NBA basketball player Tracy McGrady because he is cool at dunking. He hopes to become a NBA player after he completes high school.
“I want to show and tell everyone that you can do anything if you put your mind to. Plus, I love the game,” he said.
More on the NAIG:
- Family's love of hunting leads to NAIG riflery success
- Important to be humble, says Team Sask medalist
- Team Sask medal count grows rapidly
- Team Sask dominates cross country on opening day
Paul has been training for NAIG by practicing and running long distances around Wascana Lake a few times where he felt good prepping himself.
His words of advice to other youth who want that chance to compete in NAIG is train and never give up on your passion for the sport.
“Facing challenges is important because it makes you better at what you're trying to succeed at,” he said. “If you want NAIG you will probably succeed if you practice a lot and do more training than others.”
Paul is 11-years-old in grade 6 where he attends Ecole St. Pius X elementary school.