Arizona competition welcomes 3,800 Native American athletes

PHOENIX — Nearly 4,000 athletes from more than 90 Native American tribes will be in Arizona for the next few days for a huge sports competition.

The Lori Piestewa National Native American Games were scheduled to begin Friday and conclude Sunday. Athletes will compete in baseball, softball, basketball, cross country, volleyball and wrestling.

The games were named in Piestewa’s honor. The Arizona woman was the first Native American to die in combat when she was killed in Iraq in 2003.

“We are excited to welcome athletes from across North America to the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games,” Lori’s mother, Percy Piestewa, said in a release. “Lori loved sports and her spirit lives on through these games.”

“The Lori Piestewa National Native American Games are a celebration of sports and a fitting way for the entire community to honor a homegrown Arizona hero,” Nikki Balich, the executive director of the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission, said in the release.

The games will be held in numerous event venues across the Valley. They are free to attend.

“All 15 years we’ve done this now, it’s gone up in attendance and spectators every single year,” Senior Director of Grand Canyon State Games Gary Nees said. “This year is no different.”

KTAR News’ Atlan Hassard contributed to this report.

Related

SAFE Alert issued for missing 73-year-old man last seen in GlendaleSuspect outstanding after Phoenix shooting that left man seriously injuredDetails for 2026 Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade revealedMan dead after shooting involving Phoenix police officersStorms bring scattered showers, dust to Valley causing delays at Sky Harbor and power outagesAll pet adoptions free at Arizona Humane Society for 1 day