February 13, 2006: IPFDC CONTRIBUTES TO TEAM NEW MEXICO IN INDIGENOUS GAMES

Albuquerque, NM – The Indian Pueblos Federal Development Corporation has donated $19,000 to support Team New Mexico in the 2006 North American Indigenous Games in Denver Colorado, July 2-9.

The North American Indigenous Games were first held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1990 and since then there have been a total of five Games. The most recent Games, held in Winnipeg, Canada in 2002, hosted almost 10,000 athletes, coaches and staff representing 27 teams from 15 states and 12 Canadian Provinces and Territories. Competitions were held in 16 sporting events.

Team New Mexico participated for the first time in the 2002 Games in Winnipeg, Canada with a delegation of 125 members, competing in 10 sports events. Benny Shendo, Jr., Team New Mexico Chef de Mission for the 2006 Games, hopes to expand the delegation to represent all twenty-two New Mexico tribal communities. In particular, increasing the number of Pueblo athletes comprising Team New Mexico is a priority.

The Games aim to create a multi-event competition that incorporates both sports and culture. Currently the delegation consists of 420 athletes, with approximately 190 Pueblo athletes in 12 different sports.