Thousands of athletes from the United States, Mexico and Canada will gather this weekend to compete in the 20th annual Lori Piestewa National Native American Games.
Hosted by the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission (ASEC) and presented by the Fiesta Bowl, this highly anticipated event will take place at various venues from July 14–16, including Mesa’s Bell Bank Park, the Salt River Recreation Baseball Fields in Scottsdale and the Hampton Inn Queen Creek.
“The Fiesta Bowl Organization is committed to promoting the State of Arizona as the multicultural community it is, as well as a destination for impactful sporting events,” says Fiesta Bowl Organization Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses. “We are honored to support the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games and Native American communities from across North America as thousands of athletes, families and spectators from tribes and states around the country, plus Mexico and Canada, come together in the spirit of competition and a celebration of all that sports offers.”
Athletes representing 52 Native American tribes will compete in a range of sports, including baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, cross country and powerlifting, which debuts this year.
Since its inception, the event has experienced remarkable growth, with the number of teams participating increasing from 105 in 2019 to an impressive 170 this year. The Lori Piestewa Games provide an opportunity for participants who might otherwise face barriers to engage in their favorite sports while simultaneously promoting Native American culture.
“We are thrilled to bring together so many talented athletes from different tribes and nations to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and unity,” says Nikki Balich, executive director of the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission. “Now in its 20th year, the Piestewa Games not only continues to honor the legacy of Lori Piestewa, it also celebrates the vibrant cultural diversity within our Native American communities.”
The event holds a special significance as it honors Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military. According to her family, Lori had a deep love for a wide range of sports. The event organizers meticulously designed the games to reflect her passion and varied interests. Over the years, the event has expanded its offerings to include an array of sports, truly capturing the essence of Lori’s remarkable legacy.
“Throughout these 20 years of the Piestewa Games, the message has remained the same. We are here to remember all the brave men and women who have served our country,” says the Piestewa family. “This is only possible because of the vision of Erik Widmark, former executive director of the Grand Canyon State Games, who wanted to create an event to honor Lori. The participants this weekend will celebrate Lori’s legacy of bringing all people together in harmony, while having the opportunity to compete in the sports they love.”
The event also helps support local businesses, hotels and restaurants, with an estimated economic impact of $7 million. The overwhelming response from the community has led to nearly all venues being sold out.
“As a family, we are so grateful that the games continue to grow and impact Native American communities around the country,” says the Piestewa family. “Our athletes and participants gather, compete and remember Lori. This is the opportunity they have every year, and this is what we love most about the Games.”
Tickets can be purchased for a single-day entry or the duration of the event for entry to all Piestewa Games 2023 events at www.piestewagames.com.
