Feeding the athletes: kitchen team shares memories of Tony Cote Games

Some rain fell on athletes, coaches and organizers as they were loading up vehicles, packing up tents and cleaning up at Whitecap Dakota First Nation on Saturday morning.

After a week of hosting thousands of athletes from across Saskatchewan, it was quiet as the athletes village emptied out on the last day of the Tony Cote First Nations Summer Games.

But for Sheldon Gamble, the last seven days have been anything but quiet.

As the kitchen coordinator for the games, the cook was in charge of making sure the athletes got enough energy in the morning to compete at their best throughout the day.

"It's something I really enjoyed doing," said Gamble, who is originally from Beardy's and Okemasis' Cree Nation but lives and works at Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

"Looking at all these youth's and adults' and elders' faces after they ate — full bellies, big smiles — indicated to me that they really enjoyed the meals we were putting out this past week for everybody. And that warms the heart knowing I can contribute to a big event like this."

Gamble and a team of eight other cooks, as well as a group of volunteers, put together a hot brunch for athletes in the mornings during the Tony Cote Games.

They also prepared lunch for the elders on site, volunteers "and whoever else that wanted to come and eat," said Gamble.

"We weren't turning anybody away."

Every day the 54-year-old enjoyed welcoming the young participants, making sure they were full and offering more food if they wanted.

Gamble's days started as early as 4 a.m. during the Tony Cote First Nations Summer Games. The whole kitchen team kicked off work at 5 a.m. to get breakfast ready for 7 a.m. every day.

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