Reasons to Watch the North American Indigenous Games

Indigenous players are often found in national teams around the world, but are mostly underrepresented or ignored. With such low numbers, many times, they do not get the same importance as some of the other players. As carriers of our history and heritage, it becomes all the more important to celebrate these players and the games they play. One of the best ways to go about it is through specially held international indigenous gaming events such as the World Indigenous Games and the upcoming North American Indigenous Games, popularly known as NAIG.

The month of July in 2020 will see the next NAIG being held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The games will take place over seven days and feature a total of sixteen sports including, lacrosse, shooting, football, swimming, archery, wrestling, and volleyball. It is expected that this multi-sport event will welcome over 5000 athletes who will take part in various games. In addition to this, several performers will add merriment and celebrations that typically revolve around these events. For the average sports fan, these NAIG, held intermittently, are an excellent way to witness some fantastic sporting action while appreciating the athletes and people who make us what we are today.

Love of Sports

A committee comprising of 13 provinces and regions each from North America and Canada are responsible for the games that started in 1990. Now, the event is held alternatively between both the countries, typically after around three years. The main aim of the games is to present indigenous athletes with a stage to showcase their talents in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. Moreover, indigenous games, no matter where in the world they are taking place, shine a spotlight on traditional sporting practices, further helping increase the reach of ancient cultures, still found across many parts of the planet.

Bet-Worthy Games

One of the reasons that make the NAIG all the more exciting is that no one really knows much about the competitors. This opens up the field when it comes to sports betting on the games as even the bookmakers are not sure about the players and their past performances. As a result, the odds can favour punters in a significant way, and one of the neatest ways to enjoy and earn from the games is to go over to Vegas and stay in a hotel with a sportsbook that is covering NAIG live. Mind you, the competition is still fierce, and thus the thrill of watching all the different sports while earning from them is quite an enriching experience.

History and Culture

An essential aspect of holding the games is to educate people about the indigenous lifestyle and their customs. Therefore, while the games are the focus on NAIG, there are a number of other activities that take place throughout the event which help promote indigenous people on the whole. From exhibitions to dances and from local foods to cultural villages and youth programs, everything is part of the NAIG, making it indeed a remarkable occurrence, not to be missed.