Another “gold” win for Team SCIT at Michigan Indian Family Olympics
8/13/2015 8:00:00 AM - Tribal Observer

Natalie Shattuck, Editor 

Seven tribes throughout Michigan joined together for a little friendly competition during the 28th annual Michigan Indian Family Olympics.

This year, the July 17 event was again hosted by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and Nimkee Fitness, with the location shifting to the Shepherd High School track and field.

The Friday event was open to all Native Americans and their families. Early registration opened June 1.

            With competitions in baby crawls, tot trots, Elder walks, archery, meter dashes and runs, softball throws, long jumps, bean bag tosses, and a July 16 golf scramble, there were fun rivalries for all ages.

Jaden Harman, Nimkee fitness coordinator, served as the event’s director. Harman said this was the first year more than 1,000 competitors pre-registered.

“Other tribal communities always look forward to coming each year,” he said. “I think that says a lot about what we’ve created and it has become a pinnacle event for the health and wellness for our tribes in the state.”

Harman was also happy to announce that for the third consecutive year, Team SCIT took home the gold! SCIT earned first place with 520 points.

“Congratulations to each family member who participated and can carry this honor,” Harman said.

Second and third place were close; almost a tie. Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians won 235 points, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi received 234 points.

            Jayme Green, Nimkee fitness coordinator, said her role as the volunteer coordinator began two months prior to the occasion.

            “I have to find about 100 volunteers to work all of the different stations and events,” Green said. “I work with Central Michigan University’s diversity department, Residential Treatment Center, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, Michigan State University medical students, Tribal employees and summer youth workers.”

            Green is also responsible for collecting the volunteers’ T-shirt sizes, and assigning every volunteer their role.

            “Two days before the event, I assisted Jaden in taking all the equipment and tents to Shepherd and setting everything up,” she said. “This took two full days, and we are fortunate to receive assistance from SCIT Maintenance, summer youth workers and Nimkee Public Health employees.”

            On event day, Green was the point person for all event staff.

            “If (the staff) needed more papers, lunches or volunteers, I would try my best to deliver,” she said.

            This year, SCIT Members had to pre-register online prior to July 9 to be guaranteed a team SCIT T-shirt. All participating Team SCIT competitors received a free camping chair incentive, if they participated in at least two activities.

            “My favorite parts of the day were watching the finish line for the track events,” Harman said. “Also, we had some amazing tug-o-war competitions this year.”

            Beginning May 1, SCIT Members and employees participated in the “Blue Cross/Blue Shield Tribe 2 Tribe Challenge.” For nine weeks, participants logged their miles or minutes while walking, running, taking aerobic or dance classes, bicycling, etc. to compete against other Michigan tribes.

            Last year, SCIT earned fifth place in the competition. This year, the 146 team members earned SCIT first place, logging more than 24,000 miles altogether!

            BC/BS employees rewarded SCIT with a $3,000 check to be used for the Nimkee Fitness Center.

Walt Kennedy, prevention director of Nimkee Public Health, served as a planning committee member.

“This year, we had another strong turnout for this event,” Kennedy said. “SCIT participants continue to enjoy the family activities. One of my favorite parts is seeing the participants of all ages enjoying their involvement in the games.”

            Kennedy and the team also made the new location venue work well.

            “Shepherd High School has beautiful athletic facilities which allowed us to provide the competition at one centralized location,” Kennedy said.

            Harman said the event continues to grow each year.

            “I attribute (the growth) to the continued support from Tribal Council in providing an incentive and the enjoyment that our SCIT Members have experienced through the years.”

            As hard as she worked that day, Green said she still enjoyed herself.

“Even with all the work and time into this event, my favorite part is watching the community enjoy being healthy and active throughout the day,” Green said.

Chi-miigwetch to the following sponsors:

Gold: Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

Silver: Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi.

Bronze: Blarney Castle Oil & Propane, Sam’s Club and the SCIT At-Large Department.

Other: Little Traverse Bay Band, Monarch Welding and Engineering, SCIT Housing Department, Grey Sky and Niibing Giizis Photography.