The inaugural Masters Indigenous Games sees tremendous support from all sectors, with a common goal of boosting sport opportunities for Indigenous adults.

Toronto, Ontario – July 6, 2018

The Masters Indigenous Games 2018 (MIG 2018) Organizing Committee is pleased to announce Casino Rama Resort and Meridian Credit Union as Volunteer Partners for the inaugural Games, taking place this summer in Toronto, from July 12-15, 2018. With funds specifically geared towards supporting the MIG 2018 volunteer program, which will see approximately three hundred dedicated volunteers, both Casino Rama and Meridian are doing their part to ensure the MIG 2018 Volunteer Team is fully prepared to host a world-class event.

Volunteers provide the necessary support to accomplish the enormous task of hosting a large-scale sport and cultural event. With an Opening Gala, three days of sport competition, a Cultural Village, a Pow Wow, Community Feast and Closing Ceremony, volunteers will be essential to creating a memorable and positive experience for everyone. The MIG 2018 is a unique event and a legacy of the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games, which showcased more than 5,000 Indigenous youth participants and over 1,200 volunteers last summer in Toronto. Approximately 85 per cent of the volunteers registered for the MIG 2018 are returning volunteers from the Toronto 2017 NAIG.

“We are excited to be part of the inaugural Masters Indigenous Games, the first of its kind in North America,” said Wanita Fonseka, Vice President, Member Services, Meridian. “A core value of our organization is to help improve the wellbeing of communities by investing and supporting initiatives that share a common vision of a better future. Congratulations to the organizing bodies who have worked so hard to make this dream come true and special thanks to the volunteers who will help to make it a success.”

Casino Rama, Ontario’s only First Nations Resort Casino recently celebrated 20 successful years in operation. The world-class 5000-seat entertainment centre offers visitors a wide array of entertainment options and is home to eight unique restaurants. Casino Rama has earned a reputation as a ‘premier entertainment destination’ in Ontario, and has some of the most renowned live acts from around the world grace the main stage. Casino Rama is located on the Rama First Nation Reserve and pays homage to the proud Peoples and community, who have resided there for generations past. As an active supporter of many community events, Casino Rama is excited to support an event celebrating the athletic achievements and unique cultural heritage of Indigenous athletes from around the world.

About the Masters Indigenous Games

The Masters Indigenous Games was founded to meet the growing need for competitive sport for the aging population. The Games encourage mature individuals to be active, with the awareness that competitive sport can continue throughout life, contributing to increased health and wellness. The inaugural Games take place this July 12-15, 2018 and provide an opportunity for Indigenous adults from around the world, to engage in sport competition with their peers.

The Masters Indigenous Games are a direct legacy of the successful Toronto 2017 NAIG which took place in the Greater Toronto Area last July, and which generated an economic impact of $44.3 million.

MIG 2018 Quick Facts:

  • The MIG 2018 will take place from July 12-15, 2018, with the majority of events taking place at Downsview Park located in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.games2021.jensengroup.ca.
  •  Masters Indigenous Games 2018 (MIG 2018) will feature approximately 800 participants, 300 volunteers, various contemporary (athletics, basketball, canoe, golf, soccer, softball and volleyball) and traditional sports (archery, standing kick, tug of war and teepee building).
  • The Masters Indigenous Games feature global Indigenous participation.
  • A cultural village showcasing Indigenous artists, performers, sport demonstrations, storytellers and vendors, will be located at Downsview Park. The Cultural Village is FREE and open to the public throughout the Games.
  • The MIG 2018 will also feature a traditional Powwow, with Dance Specials and a Community Feast on the last day of competition. This special event is also FREE and open to the public.
  • The MIG was founded by the Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario (ASWCO), the officially recognized Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body for Ontario.

Acknowledgment

The Masters Indigenous Games 2018 honours and acknowledges the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. The Masters Indigenous Games 2018 also acknowledges all Indigenous Peoples and communities across the province of Ontario, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, living both on and off reserve, in rural and urban communities.

Contact Information:

MIG 2018 Communications Team

communications@games2021.jensengroup.ca