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MT. PLEASANT - The Boys and Girls Club of Bay Mills took home 14 medals from the 18th Annual Michigan Indian Family Olympics, held in Mt. Pleasant on July 15. The Bay Mills Club, which consisted of five adults, six teens and eight youth, competed on Central Michigan University's Bennett Track in the sweltering July heat against representatives from other Michigan tribes. A record 628 tribal athletes competed in this year's event, besting last year's record of 518.
The Michigan Indian Family Olympics was founded by former Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Health Educator Sue Stiller in 1987 to promote health and wellness through a day of physical activity for tribal members and their families. The fun-filled day, which includes mainly track and field events and some swimming events, grew to include other tribes and tribal organizations throughout the state. This was the third year the Boys and Girls Club of Bay Mills participated in the event.
Boys and Girls Club Supervisor Brandon Kerfoot said he was impressed with the way the team from Bay Mills performed at the event. Not only did the team from Bay Mills have to compete against tribal athletes from across the state, but they had to compete against temperatures hovering above the 90-degree mark.
"It was a great turnout and a lot of fun," he said. "The kids did a really great job, especially under the extreme heat conditions. I was definitely happy to see more family involvement this year, though - that's what this event is all about!"
The following competed in this year's Michigan Indian Family Olympics: Anthony Bjork; Chris Bjork, 2nd place softball throw; Trevor Bowen; Chelsey Cameron; Raelynn Hunter, 1st place 1600m run and 2nd place 100m and 400m; Brandon Kerfoot, 1st place 1600 m run, 1st place long jump and 2nd place 100m and 400m; Camie Leapley; Cassie Leapley; Karen Leapley, 2nd place softball throw; Shelby Leapley, 1st place football throw and 3rd place 100m; Vanessa Leapley, 2nd place 1600m and 3rd place 400m; Jade LeBlanc; Valencia Lyons; Aaron Tadgerson, 2nd place 1600m and 100m run; Cole Tadgerson; Kyle Tadgerson; Teresa Tadgerson; Wayne Teeple; Sandra Walden.
