Laurent Beausoleil
Randy Staats is photographed at the Gaylord Powless Community Centre at the Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario on Friday, March 12, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power
March 15, 2021 - 11:57 AM
Iroquois Nationals lacrosse star Randy Staats was angry at first, but he now says an international snub of his team only fuelled his desire to play on the world stage.
Three years ago, the International Olympic Committee granted World Lacrosse, the international federation, provisional recognition. That's a step toward inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles.
But to make the Olympics, the Iroquois Nationals, strong competitors in other international venues, will have to prove to the International Olympic Committee that they represent a sovereign nation distinct from Canada or the United States.