DARIAN BELLEGARDE-COTE

AGE: 13

RESERVE: LITTLE BLACK BEAR FIRST NATION

SPORT: U16 SOFTBALL

Darian Bellegarde-Cote from the Little Black Bear First Nation was eager to pitch in softball as soon as he heard the news that he made the for Team Saskatchewan in the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) held in Regina. 

His team won the gold medal and says he was proud of his teammates that they played hard together.  

"I was really excited and very happy."

He says he enjoyed his first time experience playing in NAIG. 

"It's been good; I've enjoyed making new friends and meeting other people from different provinces and states."

He's been playing softball since he was eight years old and he says his cousins and friends were the ones who inspired him to play the sport. 

His advice to the youth who want to participate in the games is simple but straight to the point.

"Work hard."

He hopes to play professional ball in the future.  

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