Our Native Youth Olympics (NYO) team, the LKSD All Stars, competed at State last weekend, the first State competition for each of our NYO team members, and an unforgettable event for everyone.
NYO has a rich history; tied to the roots of that history is its emphasis on encouraging personal growth in a uniquely supportive environment. Even though it is considered a competition, athletes and coaches encourage everyone to do well and will often cheer on an opponent. Athletes are primarily working to beat their own personal best height, jump, distance; an overall team win is an added bonus!
Even the audience will support an athlete that is concentrating by sitting quietly in the stands. Sharon Wegner, LKSD Student Activities Coordinator, was particularly impressed by the audience support during the one foot high kick; the Alaska Airlines center was so quiet she said she could hear the music in the background being played in the concession stand and the pitter-patter of toddler feet running around looking for grandma.
As has happened many years, the LKSD All Stars went into the final event not in the lead for points. Our seal hoppers once again pulled through in the last event, taking two first place wins! This year’s overall team points placed the LKSD All Stars in first place. Jordan Klejka took first place in the two foot high kick, and BRHS took home the best banner award.
Thank you to all of our NYO participants, volunteers and coaches for a great year!
Results for individual events:
Wrist Carry:
Girls 4th Crystal Moses-Toksook Bay
Alaskan High Kick
Girls 2nd Kyra John-Kwigillingok
Boys 4th Jordan Lewis-Chefornak
One Arm Reach:
Girls 5th Destiny Panrruk-Chefornak
Boys 2nd Michael Flynn-Chefornak
Two Foot High Kick:
Girls 1st Jordan Klejka-BRHS
Boys 4th Michael Flynn-Chefornak
Kneel Jump:
Girls 5th Kyra John-Kwigillingok
Boys 2nd Michael Flynn-Chefornak 3rd Dalyn Moses-BRHS
Indian Stick Pull:
Girls 4th Johnelle Smith-Tuntutuliak
Boys 2nd Evon Phillip-Kwigillingok
One Foot High Kick:
Girls 4th Jordan Klejka-BRHS
Seal Hop:
Girls 1st Crystal Moses-Toksook Bay
Boys 1st Devon Mann-Kipnuk 2nd Landon Smith-BRHS (3 tied)
Best Banner Award-BRHS
Overall Team Points:
1st LKSD All Stars (36)
2nd Matsu A (32)
3rd Mt. Edgecumbe (31)
4th Unalaska (24)
5th Anchorage A (22)