Native Youth Olympics - NYO

We hosted a Native Youth Olympics tournament this fall with three villages represented. Before the competition begins, the athletes hear about how important it is to try their best, but to also encourage their fellow competitors. The games teach good sportsmanship and respect for elders. Several people in the audience have competed over the years and were here to help the young people.

This first set is of the sitting long jump. First this athlete is set up behind the line. She swings her arms back and forth gaining momentum, then has lift off. The girls compete against themselves, and the boys are separate.

This next set of games is the one arm lift. A pole is held and the competitor wraps their wrist over the top. They are then lifted up off the ground when ready, and carried for as long as they can hold on.

She had one way of keeping herself off the ground, below is another style.

This next event is called the Toe Kick. As the athlete is jumping forward, they are to use their toes to kick the stick backwards, and continue forward.

The Standing Two Foot High Kick is an exciting event that the crowd watches for. A ball is hung at certain heights being raised each time someone is successful kicking it. The athlete sizes up the ball, and jumps with both feet hitting the ball, and coming down together.

This next event is the Running Two Foot High Kick. This is where the highest kicks happen.

This event is the Sitting One Foot High Kick. Once again, the ball's height is observed, then the leg is kicked up, to hit the ball, and with the same one to return to the floor.

This next event is the Stick Pull, a seated game of tug-a-war. It is said to have helped strengthen the forearms to help pull the slippery salmon out of water.

This next event is what people keep an eye out for. It is the seal hop. The girls use the flat of their hands, whereas the boys use their knuckles. It is not a race, it is all about distance.

This event is like a traditional "Indian Wrestling" where a stick is given, but it's "greased". Both parties hold on and at "go!" each competitor tries to throw the other one off balance.