Native Youth Olympics: Alaska’s Indigenous teens emulate ancestors’ Arctic survival skills
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The athletes filling a huge gym in Anchorage were ready to compete, cheering and stomping and high-fiving each other as they lined up for the chance to claim the state’s top prize in their events.
But these teenagers were at the Native Youth Olympics, a statewide competition that attracts hundreds of Alaska Native athletes each year and pays tribute to the skills and techniques used by their ancestors to survive in the harsh polar climate.
Events at the competition that wraps up Saturday include a stick pull, meant to mimic holding onto a slippery seal as it fights to return to the water, and a modified, four-step broad jump that approximates leaping across ice floes on the frozen ocean.
For generations, Alaska Natives played these games to develop the skills they needed to become successful hunters — and survive — in an unforgiving climate.
Related articles
- LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani’s first walk-off hit for the Los Angeles Dodgers was also his first2024-05-21
Who is Britney Spears' 'boyfriend' Paul Soliz? Inside the singer's turbulent relationship with ex
Britney Spears sparked mental health crisis concerns after being pictured barefoot and topless outsi2024-05-21Trump hush money trial: Testimony resumes after jurors hear crucial Michael Cohen recording
NEW YORK (AP) — The prosecution’s star witness has yet to take the stand in Donald Trump’s hush mone2024-05-21UFL at midseason: League took best of USFL and XFL, but has a familiar team at top of standings
The Birmingham Stallions are playing in a new spring football league, and they’re continuing their w2024-05-21- Israel’s defense minister said Monday the military would expand its operations in the southern Gaza2024-05-21
Justice Department warns it plans to sue Iowa over new state immigration law
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has told Iowa’s top officials it plans to sue2024-05-21
atest comment