Local wrestler Angel Besskkaystare is the Saskatchewan flag bearer for the 2022 Canada Summer Games (TeamSask/Faceboook)

By Derek Craddock

GO TEAM SASK!

Local wrestler named flag bearer for Sask. at Canada Summer Games

Jul 26, 2022 | 1:00 PM

It is just a matter of days until the best young athletes from across the province travel to Niagra, Ont. for this year’s Canada Summer Games.

On Tuesday morning, the full list of athletes was announced, along with the flag bearer Angel Besskkaystare, an 18-year-old wrestler from Prince Albert.

Besskaystare moved to Prince Albert from Wollaston Lake at the age of 14 and soon fell in love with the sport of wrestling, eventually competing for St. Mary High School and being named team captain.

In addition to being captain, Besskkaystare won the Aboriginal Cultural Award, the Inspirational Award, the Most Progressive Student Award, the Wrestling MVP award, and was placed on the Honour Roll at St. Mary.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me, especially my family,” said Besskkaystare during a media conference in Regina. “I want to thank my wrestling coach, Roxanne Richards, who has been by my side since Grade 9. She has told me to be proud to be Dene and to be proud of where I came from.”

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She added that because of this encouragement, she’s been able to accomplish regional gold medals and provincial gold and bronze medals.

Besskkaystare said she is excited and nervous about the next steps in her life following the Summer Games as she starts at the University of Saskatchewan. One of her dreams is to coach wrestling to kids in smaller communities in northern Saskatchewan.

“I want to explain the great opportunities available to them and how wrestling shaped the person I am today,” she said.

Besskkaystare is part of a contingent of 19 athletes and two coaches from Prince Albert participating in this year’s games. Nearby communities like Rosthern, Birch Hills, Shell Lake and Wakaw will also have athletes or coaches taking part.

“Every one of our teams has put in a tremendous amount of preparation to get ready for their moment on the national stage,” said Chef de Mission, Mark Bracken. “These games will provide an opportunity for our athletes to compete against the very best in the country, build lifelong memories, meet new friends, and enjoy the incredible experience that only major multi-sport games can offer.”

In total, 377 athletes, 86 coaches, and 25 mission staff are participating in the 2022 Canada Summer Games for Saskatchewan which run from August 6-21.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock