Someone once wrote: “All the training in the world is not likely to turn an Inuit Eskimo, programmed to be short and stout, into a National Basketball Association (NBA) player.”
Don’t tell that though to three young athletes from the hamlet of Baker Lake located in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut.
“I want to be the first Inuit to play in the NBA,” states Shane Niego, of his dream to make the big leagues one day. “And by attending camps like this and working hard who knows…maybe I will.”
For any basketball player there lies the energy and dedication to achieve but it is the responsibility of someone to unlock that age of enthusiasm.
For Niego, 16, along with school teammates Uriah Amaruq and Tobias Ugayuittug, the key to that door was opened while attending basketball at the 44th Legion Athletic Camp in July 2005.
“We had heard about the camp from our coach (Bill Olson) and some (Baker Lake) girls who had attended last year (2004) and said it was great,” stated Ugayuittug, 17, of the summer camp located on the Manitoba/North Dakota border at the International Peace Garden.
“When we heard we were coming to the camp we were very excited.”
“Yes very excited,” echoed Amarug, 16.
All three athletes stated that the seven days of basketball instruction had enhanced their game.
“My defense improved and so did my dribbling,” stated the 5-foot-2 Ugayuittug, who could be spotted all week wearing a Philadelphia 76er jersey and hat in tribute to his favourite NBA star Allen Iverson.
Both Amarug and Niego, who plan to attend the camp in 2006, admit that the discipline of proper basketball “defense” had a major impact on their skill development.
“It was a great experience,” says Niego. “We met a lot of new friends and had the chance to share (our culture) with everyone.”
Niego and Amarug took time from the busy schedule to demonstrate the traditional Arctic sport one- foot high kick and two-foot high kick to more than 90 appreciative fellow hoopsters.
All three hope to continue their hoop dreams with Ugayuittug looking to enter the coaching ranks.
“I would like to inspire little kids. For them to go into basketball and to stay in school.”
The attendance of aboriginal athletes at the Legion Athletic Camp, which offers up to 12 sports over a six week period, has grown in recent year’s stated camp administrator Curtis J. Phillips.
“Our philosophy is that sports have no prejudice. Last year (2004) we had a little over 1,100 athletes and during one week, where there were 200 athletes in attendance, more than 40 of the athletes were aboriginal. The camp has become a true international melting pot with athletes not only from Canada (Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario the major draws) but from England, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, U.S.A. and an annual contingent the last few summers from Mexico .”
James Cook, from The Pas, Manitoba along with Nicholas Paul from Kenora, Ontario joined Gerald Bunting from Lac Seul Frenchman’s Head, Ontario in stating that they “were just regular kids” at the camp during their week sessions.
No different then anyone else and if someone was to ask of their heritage, they were proud to enlighten them.
“It was a great week,” said First Nations athlete Cook, 16, of his basketball experience. “I made a lot of new friends and developed my game right from my jump shot to my dribbling to my passing. I heard from other athletes (who had attended camp) that it was hard but fun and I improved my endurance. For sure I’m going to come back not for one week but two weeks next time.”
Paul, 16, came to camp on a challenge from his cousin Rudy, who had attended past LAC sport camps.
“He said I wasn’t athletic so I wanted to prove him wrong,” said Paul, a Cree, who was in attendance for soccer. “This week was awesome and I made a lot of new friends.”
Bunting, 16, an Ojibway, said he “learned a lot” despite the fact that he has been playing the sport of volleyball for six years.
“I can spike a little better and dig up the balls a little better…the coaching has been great,” said Bunting.
“Seeing other aboriginal athletes here is great. Sports helps you do better at school and help you study better. It helps you concentrate. I’ve had a blast.”
After a short pause, Bunting concludes the interview with what may be a remarkable observation for a young man.
“It’s a great camp. But it would great to see one day…hopefully soon…half the camp aboriginal athletes.”
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BAKER LAKE BOYS: Shane, Tobia and Uriah |
