NYO Builds Community
Other athletes cheer as junior boys accept awards.
Kahtnuht’ana Hey Chi’ula Native Youth Olympics Invitational Results
You don’t need a medal to be a winner at the Kahtnuht’ana Hey Chi’ula Native Youth Olympics Invitational.
“I love all the love and support,” said Staxx Van Kirk, a competitor from Nikiski. “It’s not about winning, it’s about having fun. Keep pushing, don’t give up. Do it for the love of the games. Don’t do it for the medals, do it for yourself.”
For many of the competitors who came from across the state to participate, the Kahtnuht’ana Hey Chi’ula Invitational marks the start of the NYO season. And while competition is a big part of the event, so is community.
“I like that everyone is supporting everyone. Teams are giving other teams advice,” said Aviana Boyer, a member of Kenaitze’s Ggugguyni NYO team. “This is a judgement-free sport. No one is going to judge you if you fail. I’m just here to have fun.”
Kenaitze’s Kalven Christopher competes in the Inuit Stick Pull event.
Denali Bernard, Kenaitze’s NYO Head Coach, said sportsmanship is part of NYO culture.
“It’s not like other sports. Everyone comes together. Older athletes are helping the juniors, even if they’re not on the same team,” Bernard said. “We’re settling into the season. After this event, we’ll help athletes set goals for the next one. One goal is sportsmanship. I encourage them to help each other. That’s what a team is – a family.”
As a former NYO competitor, Bernard said she’s happy to share her experience.
“It makes me proud. I was one of them, and now I’m coaching them. It makes me happy when I coach them on something and then I see them implement it,” Bernard said.
Judging official Eden Hopson gives chase as Kenaitze’s Alexie Nichols, left, and Zoe Mitchell, right, carry Ellie Nammoon in the Wrist Carry event.
Bernard said it takes a lot of work from many people to put on a successful NYO event.
“But it’s worth it when I see everyone showing up and having fun,” Bernard said.
Van Kirk said the NYO vibe is great.
“It’s not really about the competition, but being there for each other and having fun,” Van Kirk said.
One of the things Van Kirk said he likes about NYO is seeing your personal improvement.
“I love seeing my progress. I love getting better,” Van Kirk said.
Benjamin Wilde of Anchorage was pumped after notching a personal best on the one-arm reach.
“It just felt good. I’ve never hit that high in competition before,” Wilde said.
Wilde said he competes in all the events because it’s more fun competing than watching, but said the community is the best part of NYO.
“You can make lots of friends, you’re able to be yourself, helping other people, other people helping you. It’s a community sport. You want the other people to do as good as you’re doing, and you’re basically competing against yourself,” Wilde said.
Dee Wilmeth of Ninilchik said everyone should give NYO a try.
Quintin O’Domin competes in the Alaskan High Kick event.
“It’s a totally different environment than other sports, and there’s so many events, you can find one that’s good for you,” Wilmeth said.
Wilmeth also likes the community vibes.
“I love how everyone’s one big happy family,” Wilmeth said. “While you’re competing, you can help your opponent beat you. You help even if you’re wearing different color shirts.”
Madison Tirado from the Salamatof team is in her first season of NYO. She said her best friend is also on the team and talked her into giving it a try.
“I just like the community,” Tirado said. “It’s very encouraging. Everyone tries to help out everybody to achieve what they’re trying to hit.”
Tirado said she would recommend NYO to others who might be thinking about giving it a try.
“You’re able to competition and achievements, but also meet new people and have a good time,” Tirado said.
Boyuk Marsden, right, and Benjamin Wild hug after competing against each other in the Inuit Stick Pull event.
Kenaitze’s Braydon Mitchell cheers another athlete.
Kenaitze’s Sven Hall and Salamatof’s Olomisi Wilson compete in the Arm Pull event.
Ninilchik coach Joshua Jackson and J.J. Weseman compete in the Dené Stick Pull event. The stick is greased to simulate a slippery fish.
