Some athletes from the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs were preparing for the 2013 Saskatchewan First Nation Summer Games Thursday afternoon.
Players from the BATC under 12 and under 14 boys' and girls' teams hit Rueben Mayes Field to run through drills before the games started Monday.
In total, the BATC is sending 346 athletes to compete.
"I think we're probably one of the biggest tribal councils," said Sylvester Gardipy, who works in sports and recreation at the council.
Athletes are heading to the games for various sports, but Gardipy expects the strongest showings to come in soccer, track, archery and golf.
The local competitors will face stiff competition, with over 3,500 athletes, mission staff and coaches from throughout Saskatchewan gathering at the Muskoday First Nation.
"This is one of the prestigious games for First Nations people," said Gardipy.
With such an exciting event on the horizon, the kids can't wait to hit the road.
"They're very excited. When I talk to them over at our practices and whatnot they keep asking me what time they're going to leave or if they can leave early, 'You can leave as early as you want,' I said. 'The games won't start any sooner,'" Gardipy said.
The games started Monday and wrap up Friday.
