Native American Heritage Day

Photo Credit: Paul Sasso, MV Photo Concepts

(DULUTH, GA) – The Georgia Swarm is proud to announce that it will host Native American Heritage Day during its home contest this Sunday afternoon at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Field at Infinite Energy Arena. The Swarm faces the Colorado Mammoth at 2:05 p.m. and the game is presented by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s in Murphy and Cherokee, N.C.

"The Swarm always had a consistent, progressive approach in their Native American outreach programs and participating in this event is a hugely exciting aspect of our sponsorship with them," said Leeann Bridges, Regional Vice President of Marketing for Harrah’s Cherokee.

“Native American Heritage Day is a very special event for our organization and our local tribal communities,” said Andy Arlotta, Swarm Co-Owner and President. “Lacrosse is a Native American sport and it’s important to recognize where the sport of lacrosse originated from as the Creator’s Game holds deep meaning to Native people. We’re excited to welcome fans from all across the country on Sunday afternoon and honor the many tribal groups that will be in attendance.”

The Swarm currently has six Native American athletes on its roster: Wenster Green (Six Nations, Mohawk Turtle Clan), Johnny Powless (Six Nations, Mohawk Turtle Clan), Randy Staats (Six Nations, Mohawk Turtle Clan), Jerome Thompson (Onondaga Nation), Lyle Thompson (Onondaga Nation) and Miles Thompson (Onondaga Nation). All six players were also members of the Iroquois Nationals team that earned Silver at the 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships (WILC). Prior to faceoff, Rich Sneed, Vice Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will present gifts to the Native athletes on the Swarm.

Throughout the game, several groups from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will also be recognized. The Cherokee Royalty will sing the Cherokee National Anthem as well as the American National Anthem; the Warriors of AniKituhwa will perform a traditional War Dance, and the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post 143 will present their colors prior to faceoff. At halftime, a special ceremony honoring local stickball teams will take place, as well as a stick presentation from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

“We’re really excited to welcome these groups from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,” Arlotta said. “Without their support, this event would not have been possible.”

The first 2,500 fans at the gate Sunday will receive a Swarm and Cherokee Nation rally towel courtesy of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Fans can take advantage of a special ticket offer for Sunday’s game by visiting georgiaswarm.com/heritage. For only $27, fans can purchase a lower level ticket and receive either a Lyle or Miles Thompson drawstring backpack. For more information on Native American Heritage Day, call 844-4-GASWARM.

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