Seminoles Compete in North American Indigenous Games

By Chris Jenkins

DENVER, CO — A celebration of culture, sport and spirit was on center stage July 2–9, as the Mile High City played host to the sixth annual North American Indigenous Games (NAIG).

Athletes from all across the U.S. and Canada came together for this event, which takes place every four years. The Seminole Tribe of Florida represented the state with pride and honor. Of the 15 sports offered, Team Florida had representatives in basketball, athletics, also known as track, Tae Kwon Do, rifle shooting, archery, golf and wrestling.

One of the stars of the week was Amy Johns, who won gold and bronze medals in rifle shooting. As a 2002 competitor, Johns was determined to come back strong this year. The Brighton native and mother of two won in the prone, or laying position, and 3P, which encompases three positions: prone, kneeling and standing, divisions.

The Panther clan member got into rifle shooting at an early age and says it was her love for it which held her interest.

“It seemed like the logical choice for me because I’m around firearms a lot,” Johns said.

Teammate Reese Bert felt confident that Johns’ chances were good to medal.

“I believed Amy should have been able to place,” Bert said.

Johns coach and teammate, Joe Frank, also made a splash as a first year competitor and coach. He was originally slated to only coach, but had the opportunity to fill in as a replacement. As a result, Frank took home the silver medal in the senior prone division. From an athlete standpoint his goal was always clear.

“You just go out and you try your best,” Frank said. “I’m grateful to the tribe for allowing me a chance to go on this trip.”

Team Florida rifle shooting also consisted of: Rhonda Roff, Kyle Henry and assistant coach Richard Henry.

In the sport of archery another athlete who shined was Cheyenne McInturff, 15. The first time NAIG competitor of Immokalee, Florida made an impressive debut with a gold medal performance in the female midget traditional category. Coming into competition the goals were simple for McInturff.

“I just wanted to do the best I could and represent for Team Florida because I knew there weren’t very many people in Team Florida archery,” McInturff said.

She explained that wanting to learn archery, along with her background growing up and Seminole heritage were all part of the decision to compete. Twice a week practices for a three month period were part of her routine. She admits however, that she definitely did not expect to do as well as she did.

“It’s cool, to get gold, and go home with the gold. Knowing that there are seniors and older people on Team Florida, that I got gold and they didn’t,” McInturff said.

She now has her eyes on the next NAIG.

“I plan on coming to the next games for sure, and keeping it up,” she said.

McInturff’s other teammates on Team Florida archery included: Danette Bowers, tied for bronze in the female senior traditional, but lost on points, Jack Turtle and Don Osceola. The coaching staff was: head coach John Waterhouse and assistant Steve Young.

Tae Kwon Do was also represented very well by the Frank brothers of Lakeland, Fla., Aaron, Nick and Kevin. The three came away with four medals.

Aaron received a silver in the sparing division and bronze in the Poomes, or non-combat/form-pattern fighting, division. Brothers Nick and Kevin received bronze in the sparing division. Coach Ryon Frederick has been teaching and training the brothers over a year. The former junior and national champion was very confident in the brother’s medal potential.

“They brought the talent and ability to the competition, as well as sportsmanship,” Frederick said.

The hard work behind the scenes was also important in the success of the games. Assistant Chef de Mission Peggie Reynolds felt the performances surpassed all expectations coming in because of the short 71 days of preparation.

“It’s fantastic that we did as well as we did,” Reynolds said. “Everybody pitched in and did what they needed to do.”

Reynolds was also impressed and surprised with the attention given to the youth in providing them an enjoyable experience.

“We weren’t allowed to loose track of the fact that this was for the kids.” Reynolds said. “People taking responsibility for their kids and their safety made it worthwhile. There was a lot of spirituality and profound purpose for the kids to shine.”

All told, Team Florida 2006 won 10 medals; three gold, three silver and four bronze. This number is up six from 2002, when Team Florida won four total.

NAIG 2008 will be held in Victoria Island, British Colombia, Canada.