NAIG organizers relieved to have enough volunteers

REGINA – As preparations come down to the wire, North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) organizers say they’re in good shape volunteer-wise, despite not reaching their goal of 3,500.

“That was the outside number that we were attempting to get,” said Trish Watier, chair of the volunteer committee.

NAIG only required 1,000 volunteers to go forward, she added. As of Friday, 2,000 people had signed up.

“We’re hugely relieved, for one thing, so that means that each volunteer will not be overtaxed, they’ll be spreading out the work, and it’ll just be more fun that way,” Watier said.

There is hope the games will also inspire spending within the city.

“The eyes on North America will be on Regina once again,” said Mayor Michael Fougere. “There’s an economic impact, which is, you know, many millions of dollars injected into our economy, which is important, but that’s only one element.”

The week-long event kicks off on Sunday with the opening ceremony starting at 2 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.

“People are in for a lot of excitement, a lot of empowerment, a lot of positivity and inspiration,” said Jennifer Podemski, an artistic director for the ceremony.