KIRKLAN BEANLAND

AGE: 16

HOMETOWN: PORT AU PORT WEST, NEWFOUNDLAND

TEAM NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

SPORT: WRESTLING U16

Kirklan Beanland from Port Au Port West in Newfoundland was excited when he heard the news that he made it for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) to compete in wrestling. 

Beanland was informed about his attendance in NAIG but in a different way instead of the usual phone call or email. 

"I got a Facebook status and my buddy said 'we're going to Saskatchewan!' I was, like, oh wow! I was pretty excited and I was freaking out."

He started his interest in wrestling when he was in grade 5. He says his buddy inspired him to try out the sport and from there, the passion stuck with him. 

"I do it for myself, it inspires me to do my best at something and I just go for it."

Beanland says he’s been looking forward to a great experience and also to enjoy the trip. 

He attended the wrestling nationals held in Saskatoon last year so it wasn't his first visit to Saskatchewan but it is his first visit to Regina. He says he's enjoying himself in the city. 

"It's pretty good, but the transportation is terrible. But everything else is fine, the food is amazing and this is a great city!"

After completing high school, he hopes to become a RCMP officer because it runs in his family. He wants to protect and serve to help people out.  

His advice to the youth who would like to attend NAIG in the future is to reach your potential in sports. 

"Never give up on what you want to do and doesn't matter what kind of sport it is, just do your best and go for your goal."

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