The Rotary Club of Whitehorse Rendezvous has given a generous donation to the Yukon Aboriginal Sports Circle (YASC). 

A donation of $2,000 was presented to the YASC on June 27 in the form of a very large cheque. 

YASC chairperson Gordon Reed said they’ve had an agreement with Rotary Club of Whitehorse Rendezvous for a few years now. They have received funding from the club previously. 

He said the funds will be used for Arctic Sports programming. 

“Although they’re not responsible for reconciliation, that kind of fits in with that model of things to be recognized and supported and it’s a good thing in our view, and so we’re thankful for their support,” said Reed. 

“We’re also talking about attending their functions to be able to speak to what we do, so that they have better awareness, and that’s developing the relationship even more.” 

Reed said his organization would like to have the Rotary Club Rendezvous get involved in the Inter-School Arctic Sports Championships, held annually at the Canada Games Centre. 

“We would welcome their time and people to be a part of that,” said Reed, who explained what the funding means to YASC. 

“It just helps us to know that we have community support, helps us in terms of helping the funding that we receive from other organizations, particularly government, to carry on with the activities that we’re doing that focus on the delivery of sport, and in this context, it’s the cultural connection.” 

Coming up for YASC is their annual general meeting (AGM). Reed said that will involve recruitment and reappointment of board members. They also invite participation from community members who may want to get involved. 

Reed said they’re also bringing in Colinda Blondin to lead them through Dene Games programming that goes beyond the mainstream Dene Games. Reed said Blondin will show them how and when the games are played. 

“It gives an opportunity for some involvement and some learning and it’s something that’s a long time in coming, and it’s coming to fruition this weekend,” said Reed. 

He, among others, will be taking part in Blondin’s session, including coaches and athletes. 

“It’s going to be a refresher and also a new experience,” said Reed. “It’s for athletes, or anybody that’s signing up.” 

There were also Yukon athletes participating in the 2024 Indigenous Games that took place in Yellowknife June 28-July 1. 

The Yukon Star will have more on those games and recent YASC activities in the coming days.