Joey Payeur
The athletic significance of the event is special; the cultural significance even more so.
Kenora will host the first-ever Northern Ontario Aboriginal Volleyball Tournament on Oct. 17-18 for players born from 1998-2001.
The tournament will serve as the audition for anyone wanting a spot on Team Ontario for the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto.
Two girls’ teams from Fort Frances and the surrounding First Nation communities will be taking part in the U16 and U18 divisions, with both squads being led by local coach Amy Wilson-Hands of the new Fort Frances Fire n’ Ice club program.
“My name was put forth by some community members, which was a secret to me,” noted Wilson-Hands.
“Richard Jourdain from the Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario contacted me and asked if I would be interested in helping out,” she added.
Wilson-Hands is well aware of the challenge she faces in getting her players in prime position to not only succeed at the tournament, but possibly earn a roster spot on Team Ontario.
“It’s going to be tough for the fact you’re preparing athletes to try out for Team Ontario,” she acknowledged.
“[But] I’m confident in my abilities,” Wilson-Hands added. “I’ve learned a lot of tips from other coaches along the way.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity that this is going to bring to aboriginal athletes in our area.”
Wilson-Hands was clear every athlete with aboriginal ancestry is invited to play.
“Nobody will be turned away,” she stressed.
“If we get, say, 28 kids for the U16 team, we’ll make two or three teams and they’ll all go up,” Wilson-Hands explained.
“The selection process for NAIG will all be done in Kenora so I don’t have to do any cuts here.”
Wilson-Hands will be helped by fellow Fire n’ Ice coach Terry McMahon, who will put the team members through their paces when it comes to improving their strength and conditioning.
“As a personal trainer, what’s neat about having Terry as an assistant is he is able to do the cardiovascular and strength and jump training with all the players,” she noted.
“It makes for a well-rounded coaching staff.”
The tournament came about as a result of the rampant popularity of the game among First Nation youths in Northwestern Ontario.
“There are so many [aboriginal] athletes trying out for Team Ontario that come from this region, it was decided an all-native tournament was really needed for this area,” said Wilson-Hands, who will be looking to make an impression herself in Kenora.
“I have been asked to be available for the next NAIG board meeting,” she revealed.
“My name has been put forward to coach Team Ontario at NAIG.”
Anyone interested in playing on the local teams can contact Wilson-Hands via e-mail at fortfrancesclubvolleyball@gmail.com
