In the spirit of their ancestors, nearly 400 youth from across Alaska will assemble in Anchorage to demonstrate their skills in traditional Native games at the Native Youth Olympics, April 24 - 26, 2008.
Originating in 1972, the Native Youth Olympics provide insight into Alaska's rich cultural heritage, while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Events at are based on games and life skills of past generations of Alaska Natives played as a way to test their hunting and survival skills, and to increase strength, endurance, agility, and the balance of mind and body.
The Events
Although the event origins are based on traditional Native activities, the competition is open to all students from seventh to 12th grade, regardless of ethnicity. Originating in 1972, the event has grown from to include more than 69 participating schools.
The Seal Hop. From a push-up position, supported by the heal of their hand and first knuckles, participants hop across the floor on hands and toes only to see who will travel the farthest distance without stopping. Pictured here is my younger brother Kenny Pete at the State N.Y.O. competion held in Anchorage 2006/2007. I found his picture in the Idita-Health Challenge 2008 calender! He is currently in North Carolina serving in the Marines as a Corpman.
Zachary is number eight of nine brothers that I have and has followed in his older brothers footsteps. He competed in Shishmeref and won the seal hop with a full and a half length of a basketball court. (I still have to talk to him and get it in inches, my sister Addie told me how far he went,lol.) But it got him to state!
Here he is at the end of his seal hop! Way To Go Zach Attack!- The Eskimo Stick Pull
A game of strength. Successful hunters must be able to pull a seal out of the water. This is no easy task while maintaining balance on snow and ice. Hand, back and leg strength are essential. - The Wrist Carry
A test of survival. This event has origins based on hunters being able to carry their game back to the village. Hunters had to develop endurance and strength in order to carry the game over a long distance. - The One-Hand Reach
A game to test a person's control over their body. If a hunter was to become lost on water, for example, they must know the skills to control their body in order not to panic and tip their kayak. - The Kneel Jump
Similar to the Scissor Broad Jump in that the hunters must develop the skill of quick movement to be successful in jumping from one ice floe to another. This game also develops leg muscles necessary to lift heavy game and carry it back to the village. - The Alaskan High Kick
A test of both the mind and body working together to maintain control. - The Seal Hop
A game of sheer endurance - to see how far a person can go on pure determination. This game originated from the hunter imitating the movement of a seal during the hunt.
