‘American Ninja Warrior’ challenging kids to try his obstacle course

WASILLA — Nick Hanson, the American Ninja Warrior from Unalakleet, has designed an obstacle course and continues to challenge students to try it at eight Mat-Su Borough schools through Thursday. One obstacle he will demonstrate is a 14 1/2-foot curved wall — the same height wall that he climbs during the national TV American Ninja Warrior competition that features creative obstacles.

According to a press release, Hanson is visiting local schools to show young children that daily physical activity is healthy and fun. He will also focus on other choices he makes to stay healthy, including not drinking soda, smoking tobacco or abusing drugs. For the past two years, Hanson has been a contestant on American Ninja Warrior. He is a world record holder in the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, has been invited back to compete again this summer. When he’s home, Hanson practices every day on the Ninja course he built using driftwood on the beach of Unalakleet.

Hanson's first Mat-Su school visits were yesterday at Meadow Lakes, and Iditarod Elementary schools where he was joined by the Play Every Day campaign. The state of Alaska campaign partnered with Hanson on physical activity messages and shared with families across the state. He also has visits scheduled for the following schools: Knik Elementary, May 3 at 9:45 a.m.; Big Lake Elementary, May 3 at 2:15 p.m.; Willow Elementary, May 4 at 9 a.m.; Trapper Creek Elementary, May 4 at 11:30 a.m. Hanson wraps up his visit with a May 4 community event at Su Valley High School starting at 6:30 p.m.

Play Every Day focuses on raising awareness about childhood obesity and inspiring Alaska children and their families to be physically active and choose healthy foods and drinks. About one out of three Alaska children is overweight or obese, which puts them at risk for type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems that can last a lifetime.

For more information on the state's program, visit playeveryday.alaska.gov.