Delta swimmers Chloe Meredith-Jensen and Kyla Marshall were part of Team B.C.’s impressive medal haul at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games in Halifax.
Meredith-Jensen won a trio of gold medals in the women’s 17-to-19-year-old 400m freestyle, 200m medley and 200m free relay events. The Sungod Swim Club member added silver in the 50m backstroke and bronze in the 100m back. Fourth place finishes in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, along with a sixth in the 200m individual medley capped off her outstanding meet.
Marshall reached the podium three times, including silver in the women’s 14-and-under 200m medley relay. Bronze medals also came in the 200m breaststroke and 800m freestyle. The Winskill Dolphins Swim Club member added a fifth in the 400m free, a pair of eighth place finishes in the 50m and 100m breaststroke and a ninth in the 100m free.
In total, Team B.C. captured 159 medals across 14 sports, including 53 gold, to place second in the overall team standings, just 17 medals behind runner-up Team Saskatchewan and 31 ahead of third place Team Ontario.
The 2023 NAIG brought together Indigenous athletes from across Turtle Island to celebrate their culture and showcase their athletic abilities. Team BC’s outstanding performance was a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of the athletes, coaches, families, and mission staff. Throughout the week-long event, spectators and participants experienced impressive displays of skill, sportsmanship, and unity, which left a lasting impact.
“Team BC athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents, and mission staff are to be congratulated on their success following the NAIG 2023,” said The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) President, Corinne McKay. “The host province and community of Kjipuktuk (Halifax) were excellent and gracious hosts. We note they are currently challenged with flooding and offer our best in their recovery efforts to the communities affected. We know the investment in the lives of our athletes will reap positive results for their future opportunities.”
