Saskatchewan leaves the North American Indigenous Games on top

Saskatchewan athletes are coming home from the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in Halifax with a big medal haul.

NAIG wrapped up on Sunday in Halifax with Team Saskatchewan on top of the podium with 175 total medals.

A big part of that success is 14 year-old Landon Kennedy from the Saskatoon.

Kennedy was the most decorated Saskatchewan swimmer at NAIG, winning three gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.

Kennedy has swam competitively for six years, but this was his first major competition, making the feat that much more impressive.

“I’ve always loved the butterfly style. It was always my favourite stroke and it paid off, I’m one of the best in Canada,” said Kennedy.

The 10th edition of the games was the first since 2017 after the cancellations from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletes from across Canada and the U.S. competed in 3D archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, box lacrosse, canoe/kayak, golf, rifle shooting, soccer, softball, swimming, volleyball, and wrestling.

Saskatchewan saw most of their success in the athletics and swimming categories bringing home 95 medals combined.

One of the things that Kennedy said he really enjoyed was trading pins with other teams. “As a team you get a whole bunch of pins, and you go around ask people to trade and you can bond over some pins,” said Kennedy.

“The opening ceremonies, took my breath away. I was very excited, my blood pressure was through the roof.”

Team Sask  finished for the first time since 2008. British Columbia claimed second with 161 medals while Ontario came in third with 127.