NYO Games Alaska starts today in Anchorage

ANCHORAGE — More than 500 student athletes will gather today through Sunday at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center for the 42nd annual NYO Games Alaska. Teams from schools throughout the state will demonstrate their strength, agility and skills in 10 traditional Alaska Native games such as the one-foot high kick, Eskimo stick pull and seal hop.

NYO celebrates Alaska’s rich diversity and is open to students of all backgrounds. The games foster values such as teamwork, leadership and cross-cultural respect.

All games are focused around the skills and abilities originally involved with subsistence activities that have been passed along for generations. The events test endurance and the balance of mind and body.

Event highlights include the opening ceremonies with the 2012 Grand Entry of Teams, the second annual Pilot Bread recipe contest and the 2012 Opportunities Expo featuring resources that help prepare young athletes for future success.

Opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m., April 27 include remarks by Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan and state House Rep. Reggie Joule of Kotzebue, a former Native games athlete and record holder.

Instant event results will be available through citci.org, and Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s social media sites. New this year, live text updates will be provided throughout the games. Text “CITC” to 50555 and follow the prompt to stay connected to all the action. A new NYO Games Alaska app will also be available for free download from your app store. The app offers important event information and history, interactive opportunities and much more.

For more information, visit citci.org/nyogamesalaska.

2012 NYO GAMES ALASK

Today through Sunday, Dena’ina Center

Today

8 a.m. Coaches' meeting

9:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies; Grand entry of teams; national anthem; prayer and welcome Kingitmuit Dance Group

10:30 a.m. Kneel jump and awards

11:30 a.m. Interactive demonstration of other Native Games

Noon Cultural/Entertainment performance

1 p.m. Wrist Carry and Awards

3:30 p.m. Alaskan High Kick and Awards

5:30 p.m. Cultural/Entertainment performance

Saturday

8 a.m. Coaches' Meeting

9 a.m. Eskimo Stick Pull and Awards

11:30 a.m. Tlingit & Haida Dance Group performance

Noon Cultural/Entertainment "Hand Games"

12:30 p.m. Toe Kick and Awards

2:30 p.m. One-Hand Reach and Awards

4:30 p.m. Two-Foot High Kick and Awards

6:30 p.m. Cultural/Entertainment performance

7 to 10 p.m. NYO Athlete Dance at CITC (for NYO athletes only)

Sunday

10 a.m. Coaches' Meeting

11 a.m. Indian Stick Pull and Awards

11:30 a.m. Celebration of High School and GED Graduates

Noon Pilot Bread Recipe Contest

Noon Cultural/Entertainment WEIO Blanket Toss

12:30 p.m. One-Foot High Kick and Awards

3 p.m. Seal Hop and Awards

5 p.m. Alaska Native Dance performances and Closing Ceremonies