Jorja Desjardins, Keegan MacDougall, and Ashlyn Meisner of Summerside won five medals on the first day of swimming competitions at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games.
Jorja Desjardins was the first Team PEI athlete to reach the podium, with a bronze medal in the 50 metre freestyle. The 15-year-old now holds Team PEI’s first-ever swimming medal at a North American Indigenous Games.
“This medal wouldn’t be possible without my coaches, my teammates, my family, and everyone involved in these very special Games,” said Jorja Desjardins. “This is an incredible moment for me, and I’m so proud to represent PEI at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games.”
Ashlyn Meisner claimed Team PEI’s fourth medal of the tournament, by securing a bronze medal in the 50 metre backstroke.
“I already feel so honoured to represent Team PEI at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, and winning a medal is a bonus,” said Ashlyn Meisner. “I’m excited to see how the rest of the team does over the coming days.”
14-year-old, Keegan MacDougall, finished the day with a gold medal in the 50 metre freestyle, a bronze medal in the 200 metre individual medley, and a gold medal in the 200m breastroke.
The final day of swimming competitions begin at 9am on July 20 at Dalplex. The medal ceremonies will begin at 5pm.
The 2023 North American Indigenous Games can be streamed live at www.youtube.com/@NAIG2023.
To stay up to date on Team PEI action, follow PEI Aboriginal Sport Circle on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. To learn more about the 2023 North American Indigenous Games visit naig2023.com
