Darian Sunshine from Fishing Lake First Nation made Team Saskatchewan for this summer’s North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) that will be held in Toronto, Ontario on July 16^th-23^rd.

Darian will be competing in badminton this year and is excited to attend as a returning athlete this year.

Related: Team Saskatchewan prepares for 2017 NAIG

“I played in NAIG back in 2014 in Regina, I liked everything about it, it was an amazing experience!” says the 17-year-old athlete. “I am looking forward to meeting new people and the competition in the sport.”

Darian is in grade 12 attending Wadena Composite School where he played badminton for nine years and has played the sport for five years competitively.

Throughout the years, Darian faced multiple challenges such as losing in the game against tough opponents who had more experience in training. But that only pushed him to train just as hard. He enjoys seeing his parents smile in pride whenever he won a game or even a tournament, which gives him a lot of encouragement to do his best.

Related: 2014 NAIG wraps up, Team SK finishes 2nd, wins most gold

Darian plans to attend Saskatchewan Polytechnic to study heavy-duty mechanics after he graduates high school.

“I always wanted to be a mechanic because I grew up working and helping in the shop with my dad. Working on heavy equipment, vehicles, tractors, and combines.”

His advice for the youth who want to compete for Team Saskatchewan in NAIG is to work hard at the sport you love.

“Train hard and put your heart into it and good things will come.”