Halifax, N.S. – Adam Blair won the gold medal, and Payne Wood won the bronze in the U16 age category at the North American Indigenous Games played at the Links at Brunello in Halifax.
The 54-hole stroke play competition hosted many different Indigenous golfers from all over North America. They had four categories: U16 Female, U16 Male, U19 Female, and U19 Male.
The Manitoba Gold team member Blair from Winnipeg maintained a strong lead throughout the tournament, shooting 72-69-72, for a total of 213. His teammate Wood, also of Winnipeg started in third place with an opening round of 74, and climbed his way up to second place on the second day shooting 1-under. He shot an even par on the final day to secure the bronze medal, finishing one shot behind the silver medalist.
The games happen every four years across North America. The NAIG’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by supporting self-determined sports and cultural activities that encourage equal access to participation in the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of the community in which they reside and respect Indigenous distinctiveness.
The games bring together over 756 Indigenous Nations to celebrate, share, and reconnect through sport and culture in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, and Millbrook First Nation. The games began in the 1970’s and continue to happen every four years with a growing number of athletes.