1/29/09

Tulalip youth join First Nations Snow Riders

by Beckye Randall

Back row: Wes Zawertailo, Geneen Courtney,Lenny Hotomanie, Norman Allard Jr., Jon Spanos, Jan Charlie, Wanaki Kistabish, Lindsay Hubley, Saundra Wagner, Brandon Bennett, Abe Ramos, Josh Fryberg. Middle row: Jeremy Bennett, Gavin Courtney, Kim Lemming, Esame Rothfusz, Treanna Delrome, Javier Gonzalez, Moses Williams, Jaren Muir-Johnston, Virginia Johnston, Steven Recalma, Torrey Dubois, Pete Natrall, Yola Rothfusz, Dave Hamlin. Front row: Vicki Hill, Kyle Cullum, Mannasah Losik-Gonzalez, Trevor Fryberg, Aaron Marchant, Jonathan Redman, Paul McIntyre

Nearly a dozen youth members of the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club spent three wintry days at Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia earlier this month, participating in training and nursing Olympic dreams with their new athletic partners, First Nations Snow Riders.

 The local ski and snowboarding program was created as an alternative to traditional sports by Saundra Wagner and Javier Gonzalez three years ago. Supported by the Boys and Girls Club, the activities are designed to build confidence and life skills that give tribal youth additional options.

The club's vision of teams and individuals competing in winter sports is becoming a reality, with the help of the First Nations Snowboard Team and Stevens Pass Ski Resort.

"Our youth are training three times a week, and while none are ready for the podium yet, we don't think it will be long before they are," said Wagner.

The Boys and Girls Club of Tulalip was selected as the first snowboard team in the United States to join the First Nations Riders. Members are required to follow a strict athletic agreement, draw on tribal traditions and history to learn integrity, make good choices in their daily lives, and be strong role models and leaders in their communities. Many of the local athletes have aspirations of competing alongside their Canadian friends in future Olympic Games.

Along with long hours of training and trips to the mountain, our coaches and athletes engage in service projects to improve healthy lifestyles in their communities. Woven throughout the program are self-esteem and prevention activities. Community and family involvement is strongly encouraged.

To find out more about the First Nations Riders of Tulalip Boys and Girls Club, stop by the club or phone (360) 716-3400.

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