With the 2014 North American Indigenous Games in Regina two months away, Indigenous youth from across North America are training hard to compete in the sports that they love. If there is one thing to say about these athletes, they are very hard working young leaders of tomorrow. Not only are they involved in sports and their education but many of them are working part-time jobs. Here are just a handful of athletes that I had the privilege to talk to.

DARIAN SUNSHINE

AGE: 14  RESERVE: 

FISHING LAKE FIRST NATION

SPORT: BADMINTON

Darian Sunshine wants to one day coach his own team and help his people. 

"I want to help young native kids with their athletic abilities. Not many First Nations youth get recognized and know what they are capable of doing. I would just like to help out and make great athletes."

The grade 9 student from Wadena says he has been playing badminton for six years and loves badminton for its strategy. He says he is thankful to have his parents for support as they inspire him to be a better athlete. 

"They were both very athletic. When I see their trophies and medals, it just pushes me to play in sports."

His message to other youth is to get involved in every sport and enjoy it as much as you can. 

The life lesson he has learned from sports is,

Darian will also be one of many athletes representing Team Saskatchewan and he says he is training extra hard and hopes to make his family proud.

"(NAIG) is a huge thing for me. It's a chance for top athletes from across the country to compete at their sport. I am going to do a lot more training for (NAIG)."

Be sure to check out more NAIG athlete profiles on our Interviews or Sports page.