Stewart Own Chief, coach of the Crowfoot School cross-country running team, hosted the first annual Crowfoot School Cross Country Challenge on Friday, bringing together young runners to celebrate athletics, teamwork and the importance of sports within Siksika Nation.
Now in his third year at Crowfoot School, Own Chief emphasizes the value of sports in building confidence, encouraging teamwork and helping young people recognize their potential.
The event featured both a 5-kilometre and a 10-kilometre run, giving participants an opportunity to challenge themselves and demonstrate their dedication to running. Bob Breaker also attended the event to share a few words of encouragement, uplifting the young runners as they took part in the challenge.
The event comes following strong performances from Siksika runners at the recent Bull Horn Run in Kainai, where participants from Siksika placed within the top 20 out of approximately 120 runners.
Own Chief, an experienced cross-country runner himself, reflected on his own running history and the role the sport has played throughout his life. He recalled participating in a cross-country event with his brothers in 1977 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 7. At the time, he and his brothers ran the marathon in their everyday clothes.
Decades later, Own Chief continues to share his passion for running with the next generation, helping students develop their athletic abilities while encouraging them to pursue their ambitions beyond the sport.
He expressed pride in his runners and the potential he sees in each of them, encouraging the young athletes to continue pursuing their hopes and goals in life.
Through events like the Crowfoot School Cross Country Challenge, Own Chief hopes to inspire students to stay active, support one another and recognize the opportunities that come with dedication and perseverance.
