Mushkegowuk Cup organizers, participants net high praise for successful tournament

The 16th-annual Mushkegowuk Cup Tournament saw 58 teams and 850 players compete in the spirit of friendly rivalry and community pride.

The tournament was held this past Family Day weekend. The vast majority of players were from Mushkegowuk communities and ranged from ages 5 to 20.

“This is the biggest youth event held in the Mushkegowuk territory and we’re quite proud of being able to host this,” said Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Leo Friday. “Over three days, the tournament filled four arenas, and brought 2,500 people to Timmins, including parents, grandparents and extended family members who came to cheer on the players.”

The tournament has grown by leaps and bounds since its inaugural launch in 2007. It now includes teams from northwestern Ontario and Quebec.

“The feedback we heard from parents and coaches over the weekend was that the event was, once again, very well organized,” said Friday.

He credits the tournament’s continuing success to the organizers, the coaches and volunteers, the families that support the event and, of course, the players.

“Meegwetch to everyone involved. It was a great weekend.”

NT5