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3/16/04 - PREPARING FOR THE OLYMPICS

News Release

Anchorage, Alaska– (March 16, 2004)

PREPARING FOR THE OLYMPICS

The Native Youth Olympics (NYO) will bring nearly 400 athletes to Anchorage to compete, April 22 – 24, 2004, at the University of Alaska Anchorage Wells Fargo Sports Complex. “NYO provides insight into Alaska’s rich cultural heritage, while promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Courtney Sullivan, NYO coordinator.

Originating in 1972, the NYO has evolved from 12 to more than 49 participating schools. The competition is open to all students from seventh to 12th grade, regardless of ethnicity. The events at NYO are based on games that 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.

Historically this practice was done mainly by men but has evolved into a competition for young adults throughout Alaska. For example, the “Stick Pull” is based on exercises that Native hunters used to strengthen the hands for grabbing fish out of the fish wheel or for pulling seals out of the water.

Some of the other events include:

• The Scissor Broad Jump where the landing is as important as the jump. Developing balance and quick reflexes helped seal hunters jump from one ice floe to another, while maintaining balance on melting, shifting and breaking ice.

• The Wrist Carry is a test of endurance, strength and survival. It originates from hunters being able to carry their game back to their village over a long distance.

• The One-Hand Reach is a test of an individual’s control over body. If a hunter was to become lost on water, for example, he must know the skills to control his body in order not to panic and tip the kayak.

• The Alaskan High Kick is a test of both mind and body working together to maintain control.

NYO is hosted by Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc., the nonprofit, social service agency for Cook Inlet Region, Inc., with a mission to provide culturally appropriate services for Native people to achieve self-determination through individual, family and community development. For more information, explore www.anchorage.net.

Contacts:

Erika Siegel, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
esiegel@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net

Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net