OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Gov. Rounds Announces Funding for Big Foot Conference Officials Project

Press Release

Date: June 4, 2010
Location: Pierre, SD
Issues: Indigenous Peoples Arts, Entertainment, and History

Gov. Mike Rounds today announced a $25,000 grant to the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) for the Big Foot Conference Officials Project on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

The project is a coordinated effort of SDHSAA, several public schools and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, and the state of South Dakota to create a trained group of Native American basketball, football, and volleyball officials. It is also designed to develop familiarity among Native American athletes and non-Native American athletic officials.

"The Big Foot Conference Officials Project has helped athletic competition become an important element in bridging two cultures," the Governor said. "Working together with local coordinators and the South Dakota High School Activities Association has resulted in improved sportsmanship among athletes and their fans."

This is the third year of the successful project. Gov. Rounds, who has declared 2010 as the Year of Unity in South Dakota, approved $15,000 in state funds for the Native American athletic officials training effort in 2008 and $20,000 in 2009.

The Big Foot Conference Officials Project concluded its second year by expanding to include football and volleyball officiating, said Wayne Carney, SDHSAA Executive Director.

"Continued state funding will allow the project to expand the number of newly trained Native American athletic officials and enhance the overall level of officiating at athletic events in the Pine Ridge area," Carney said.

Training has been provided so far to 26 basketball referees, 12 football referees and 11 volleyball referees.

Ms. Mary Tobacco is Coordinator of the Big Foot Conference Officials Project and also the athletic director at OglalaLakotaCollege at Kyle.

"The first rule of any athletic contest is to play fair," she said. "This project teaches players, coaches, fans, and officials how important it is to be good sports and to respect the game and its rules."


Source
arrow_upward