‘Team California’ Softball Sweeps the North American Indigenous Games
‘Team California’ Softball Sweeps the North American Indigenous Games
Written by Terria Smith
Photos and Details by Judy Leivas
A youth girls’ softball team dubbed ‘Team California’ with players from tribes across the state has won first place at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games! The young women swept the tournament, taking home an undefeated win.
The North American Indigenous Games take place every two years in Canada. Individuals and teams represent their regions and tribes to compete in a variety of sports including archery, baseball, basketball, box lacrosse, canoe/kayak, golf, rifle shooting, soccer, softball, swimming, volleyball, and wrestling.
The Team California softball players were sent – along with a young men’s baseball team – to Toronto in Ontario, Canada to compete by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Players from both teams came from tribes including the Barona Band of Mission Indians, the Bishop Pauite Tribe, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Pala Band of Mission Indians, the Quechan Indian Tribe, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Tachi-Yokut Tribe, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, and the Washoe Tribe. Players from the young men’s team earned silver medals in their tournament.
Congratulations to all who participated!
