More than 500 student athletes will gather April 16–18 at the Alaska Airlines Center for the 45th Annual NYO Games Alaska. Athletes and teams in grades 7-12 from schools throughout the state will demonstrate their strength, agility and skill in traditional Alaska Native contests, including the One-Foot High Kick, Wrist Carry and Seal Hop, among others. NYO celebrates Alaska’s rich diversity and is open to students of all backgrounds.
The Games foster values like teamwork, leadership and cross-cultural respect. A test of endurance requiring balance of mind and body, NYO’s 10 competitive events are influenced by the skills and abilities originally involved with subsistence activities that have been passed along for generations.
“NYO Games carry on the traditional practice of sharing knowledge with one another,” said Gloria O’Neill, President and CEO of Cook Inlet Tribal Council. “NYO athletes help each other succeed in the Games, teaching our young people the value of hard work, cooperation and sportsmanship.”
Event highlights include Opening Ceremonies, 5th Annual Pilot Bread Recipe Contest and the 2015 Opportunities Expo featuring resources to help prepare young athletes for future success. Event results will be available daily through citci.org, and Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s social media sites.
Visit https://citci.org/event-programs/nyo-games/ for additional information.
Who: More than 500 athletes from schools throughout Alaska
What: 45th Annual NYO Games Alaska featuring 10 competitive events, a variety of cultural activities, the Pilot Bread recipe contest and the 2015 Opportunities Expo
Kickoff: Opening Ceremonies begin Thursday, April 16, at 1 p.m., and include the Grand Entry of Teams, National Anthem, and guest speakers
Where: Alaska Airlines Center, UAA campus, 3550 Providence Dr., Anchorage
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 16–April 18
Admission: FREE
Follow the event: streamed live at bssd.org
Social media: Facebook; Twitter – @CITCAlaska; #NYOGames