Photo of Relay racing at the Medicine Hat Stampede Grandstand
For the first time at the Medicine Stampede Grandstand racetrack, Indian Relay was on full display for residents and rodeo fans as they witnessed the talents of various teams from across the prairie provinces.
With the stands near full capacity crowds roared with excitement as they witnessed one of the fastest growing sports in North America’s Indigenous communities.
The formats used during the relay included both Women’s and Men’s races and a warrior race where riders sprint to their horses to complete a lap around the track to claim victory.
Teams who competed at the races included Siksika’s Pretty Young Man Relay and Stoney Nakoda’s North Star Relay competing at the Medicine Hat races.
Accompanied along with the races were displays of Indigenous culture through a small market and mini dance demonstrations preformed by indigenous youth.
The market included members of Medicine Hat’s urban indigenous community including member of the Medicine Hat Fire Keepers Dana Haldane.
Along with local artisans where also visiting vendors including Ezyza Enterprises from Prince George B.C. who have been creating relay racing action figures as a way to create a mainstream toy which represents indigenous heroes.
Caitlin Nicholson of Ezyza Enterprises Inc. shares how her partner Oscar Dennis had come up with the idea of the action figure.
Photo of Relay Action Figure created by Ezyza Enterprises Inc.
When day one of the races where over with residents leaving the grandstand, those who witnessed the races left in good spirits and left them hungry for more.
Medicine Hat resident Andrea Robbenhaar shared how her and her family cannot wait for the next time they can see the relay again and hope that it comes back to the track for the Relay.
Day two of the relay with bragging rights on the line will be kicking off at the Grandstand at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday August 25.
See photos from day one below:
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