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Nunavut shows grit at Western Canada Summer Games

EDITOR'S NOTE -- See this week's edition of Nunavut News for additional photos and coverage from the Western Canada Summer Games. 

Team Nunavut marches into the opening ceremony of the Western Canada Summer Games in Swift Current, Sask., on Aug. 9. Holding the banner are Emily-Ann Niego of Iqaluit, left, and Talia Grant of Rankin Inlet. photo courtesy of 2019 Western Canada Summer Games

The Western Canada Summer Games in Swift Current, Sask. has wrapped up and the athletes are back in their home communities following some fine performances. It was the first time the territory sent a beach volleyball squad to play in any sort of organized event and they didn't look out of place at all. The second week of the 2019 Western Canada Summer brought competition in indoor volleyball and wrestling. Nunavut won two medals on the mats.

Dillon Barrieau of Iqaluit meets an NWT defender atop the net during boys volleyball action on Aug. 14. photo courtesy of 2019 Western Canada Summer Games
Neil Tulugajuk of Iglulik has his hand raised in victory after beating Adam Naugler of the NWT during their match on Aug. 16. Tulugajuk would go on to take the bronze medal.
photo courtesy of 2019 Western Canada Summer Games
The beach volleyball squad was first up for Team Nunavut at the Western Canada Summer Games in Swift Current, Sask., earlier this month. They are, Brent Puqiqnak of Gjoa Haven and Ian McDonald of Iqaluit; back row from left, coach Rob Tomyn of Saskatoon, Talia Grant of Rankin Inlet, Emily-Ann Niego of Iqaluit and coach Sonja Lonsdale of Iqaluit.
photo courtesy of Team Nunavut
Eekeeluak Avalak of Cambridge Bay has his opponent, Josef Lundin of Alberta, in trouble during the gold medal match on Aug. 18. Avalak brought home the silver medal. photo courtesy of 2019 Western Canada Summer Games
Elenaor Oolayou of Iqaluit (in red) gets down low to attempt a pass as Amber Graham of Rankin Inlet, left, and Eema Jones of Whale Cove await the result during girls volleyball action on Aug. 14.
photo courtesy of 2019 Western Canada Summer Games
Luke Cornthwaite of Iqaluit serves during boys volleyball action on Aug. 14. photo courtesy of 2019 Western Canada Summer Games