DANA SELLARS

AGE: 13

HOMETOWN: WHITEHORSE, YUKON

SPORT: ATHLETICS

A young and inspiring athlete from Team Yukon was originally set to play the swimming event but when it got cancelled, she didn't let her disappointment get the best of her. 

She was determined to continue her dream to play in the North American Indigenous Games. She made it for for the sporting event athletics and so far she has been loving her experience in the games and her visit in the Queen City. 

Coming from an isolated place, she was super amazed to experience being at a mall in downtown Regina.

"It's nice! We went to a mall and it was, like, wow because we don't have any of those in the Yukon."

So far, she's loving her experience and meeting new people everyday and making new friends to bring home memories.  

"I really like the pin-trading. Each contingent gets different pins and we get to talk to other contingents and trade pins. It's a way for us to socialize. It’s been going great so far. I've received a lot of pins."

She says her biggest inspiration comes from her coaches. Back home, she trained on a field running on the grass due to the track getting rained out on. She practiced three times a week to prepare herself for the competitions at the games. 

Her message to the youth who would like to gain an experience at NAIG is to never give up; if you want something, aim for it. 

"Please come to NAIG, it's really fun. You get to experience all the different cultures."