'I'm very proud': Nunavut families cheer on athletes at North American Indigenous Games

Nunavut's athletes weren't the only ones who travelled long distances to get to the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax this week.

Some of their families decided to make the journey too.

Sean and Delma Uquqtuq flew from Baker Lake, Nunavut, to watch their sonRyancompete in badminton. It was his first time at the North American Indigenous Games.

"I never really had my parents supporting me in any of the sports, so I wanted to show him we support him in any sports he does," Sean said.

"This is why we're here. We support him."

Ryan won bronze on Friday in his doubles final along with his partner Dwayne Veevee from Pangnirtung, with Sean and Delma waving a Nunavut flag from the stands and cheering on their son.

Although the Uquqtuq family has enjoyed their stay in Halifax, watching their son compete, especially in a gymnasium without air conditioning, has made for a sticky and sweaty experience.

"It's been really fun watching his games but it's really hot here," Sean said as he satbeside a fan outside the venue.

"I'm very proud of my son," he added.

Delma said she encouraged Ryan to get intosports after she saw other youth in the community travelling outside of the territory to compete.

"We knew he could do it too," she said.

"It's been awesome to see him play on these courts. I am so proud."

Sports are popular among kids back in Baker Lake, especially volleyball, futsal and badminton, Delma said.

Kathy Nakoolak from Coral Harbour, Nunavut, also made the journey to Halifax to watch her sonRodney Nakoolakcompete this week in badminton.

"It's been awesome. Lots of fun," she said.

Kathy said her son spent lots of time preparing for the Games, getting inshape to hit the court in Halifax.

"He was practicing and working out at the gym, non-stop," she laughed.

After watching her son compete this week, Kathy said she hopes other kids in Nunavut try out for events like the North American Indigenous Games.

"There's a whole world out there for kids to try out anything," she said.