Teams from across Eeyou Istchee gathered in Mistissini August 14-16 for the fifth annual Robert Jr. Jimikin Memorial Invitational Fastpitch Tournament.
The tournament featured five teams in each of the men’s and women’s categories. The women’s lineup included the Mistissini Lady Scrappers, Waskaganish Royals, Eastmain Comebacks, Mistissini Lady Outlaws and Eastmain Lady Fireballs. The men’s division featured the Eastmain Fireballs, Mistissini Outlaws, Eastmain Athletics, Waskaganish Hurricanes and Chisasibi.
Originally organized as a softball and fastball tournament, the event has since evolved to include a dedicated fastpitch competition, said organizer Reshawn Matoush.
The Waskaganish Royals won the women’s championship against the Eastmain Lady Fireballs with a final score 6-4. In the men’s final, the Eastmain Athletics secured a 7-1 victory over the Waskaganish Hurricanes.
The three-day tournament brought together athletes, families and supporters to honour the memory of Robert Gillian Jimikin Jr., a sports enthusiast whose legacy continues lives on through the annual event.
According to Matoush, the 2026 tournament provided an opportunity for Cree athletes from different communities to meet, compete and build friendships while keeping summer sports active in Eeyou Istchee.
The tournament also included the Gordon Gunner Memorial Award, presented to the most outstanding player of the tournament, Matoush said. This year’s recipient was Paul Moses of Eastmain Athletics.
Matoush explained that the recipient is selected by a member of the Gunner family, based on the qualities and style of play associated with Gordon Gunner.
“They came here to play,” Matoush said of all the team entries.
The tournament highlighted Mistissini’s hospitality and community spirit, Matoush emphasized, with local people opening their homes, welcoming teams and helping make the event possible.
He believes the tournament is also about creating more opportunities for sports and recreation during the short summer season in Eeyou Istchee.
“It’s important, because in modern Quebec there’s not much time to play this sport throughout the year, because all winter you have hockey and broomball tournaments,” Matoush said. “So, fastpitch tournament is something different for us to host.”
One of the biggest challenges for him was learning fastpitch while making sure the tournament could run smoothly.
The tournament is expected to return next year, although participation will depend on how many teams register.