Leroy Hairy Shirt took first place in the softball throw at the 30th Annual Elder Games. Photo by Vi Waln
Sicangu Elder Games a Success
By Vi Waln
Lakota Country Times Correspondent
www.lakotacountrytimes.com ST. FRANCIS – A chilly and very windy day did not stop several of Rosebud’s grandpas and grandmas from participating in the 30th Annual Sicangu Elder Games. The Elder Games were held at the St. Francis Indian School old track. Families and volunteers from across the reservation joined the elder population to enjoy the 30th annual event. A freshly mowed field and smooth track was made possible through the efforts of Roger Crow Eagle and staff, according to a press release. An opening prayer was offered by Phillip Little Thunder. He welcomed all who were present to enjoy the day’s events in a good hearted way. Welcoming comments were provided by Ann Roubideaux, Lynelle Hairy Shirt and Chris Horvath. They all noted that their on-going participation in the activities is a way to honor a special elder who has had a positive impact on their lives. The importance of elders as a positive influence on individuals, families and communities, as well as the benefits of staying active, is the purpose of the elder games. The Elder Games remains a truly intergenerational event with ages of participants ranging from toddlers to citizens over 80 years old. This is a reminder that relationships formed with a true elder can be the most influential in one’s life. Several events were held for participants, including the 50 yard walk, 100 yard walk, ¼ mile walk, ¼ mile walk relay, softball throw, 50 yard run and 100 yard run. Many who attended also played in a traditional Lakota shinny game. Participants of the Elder Games are included below. Awards were presented for all participants in each event. Leroy Hairy Shirt was the lone participant entered in the 70-79 years old category. He took first place in the 100 yard walk, ¼ mile walk, ¼ mile walk relay and soft ball throw. In the 60-69 years old category, Gary Little Thunder took first place in the 50 yard walk, 100 yard walk, ¼ mile relay and soft ball throw. Lavern Looking Cloud took first place in the ¼ mile walk. There were 4 participants in the 50-59 years old category. Capturing first place wins were Gary Hacker (100 yard walk, ¼ mile walk and 50 yard walk), Joe Larvie, Sr. (100 yard run, 50 yard run and ¼ mile walk relay), Phillip Little Thunder (¼ mile walk relay). George Gunhammer was the runner up in the 50 yard run, 100 yard run and ¼ mile walk. Several women also participated in the games. In the 60-69 years old category, Winnie Hairy Shirt was a first place winner in the 50 yard walk, 100 yard walk and the ¼ mile walk. Other ladies who were runners up in the events were Lyndall Black Bear, Lynelle Hairy Shirt and Esterlyn Medicine Eagle. Totes Waln was a first place winner in the 50-59 years old category in the 50 yard walk, 100 yard walk and ¼ mile walk. Several participants also played a Lakota shinny game to close the 30th Annual Elder Games.
Visit the Lakota Country Times and subscribe today
Residents from the White River Health Care Center (WRHCC) also attended the event with the intent to participate in the games. However, cool temperatures and strong winds prevented them from doing so. So, it was decided by the Sicangu Elderly Concerns Board, The Elder Games Committee and the WRHCC staff that an additional event would be arranged at a later date. This event will be held at the facility in White River. This will give the residents an opportunity to participate in the games. The event will be announced when a date is finalized. Sponsors of the Elder Games receive a certificate for their contribution. When shopping locally, please look for these certificates and thank those sponsors for their continued support of the Elder Games. The Elder Games are made possible through the efforts of volunteers, as well as donations from local individuals and businesses. The support of the Sinte Gleska University staff continues to be demonstrated by their sponsorship of the Olympic style medals provided to elder participants. The meal was made possible by donations from Buches store, Lakota Water and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s Elderly Nutrition program. The meal consisting of sandwiches, soups, fry bread and wojapi were enjoyed by all. The food was prepared through the efforts of volunteers Lynelle Hairy Shirt, Kateri Haukaas and Mike Left Hand Bull. The presence of the Rosebud Ambulance Service was also very much appreciated. Their efforts are a valuable part of the event. Watch for the announcement of the White River games. The Sicangu Elderly Concerns Board and the Elder Games Committee appreciates everyone who made the 30th Annual Elder Games possible. Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter and download the new Lakota Country Times app today.
Join the Conversation
