ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The athletes filling a huge gym in Anchorage were ready to compete, cheering and stomping and high-fiving each other as they lined up for the chance to claim the state’s top prize in their events. But these teenagers were at the Native Youth Olympics, a statewide competition that attracts hundreds of Alaska Native athletes each year and pays tribute to the skills and techniques used by their ancestors to survive in the harsh polar climate. Events at the competition that wraps up Saturday include a stick pull, meant to mimic holding onto a slippery seal as it fights to return to the water, and a modified, four-step broad jump that approximates leaping across ice floes on the frozen ocean. For generations, Alaska Natives played these games to develop the skills they needed to become successful hunters — and survive — in an unforgiving climate. |
US deports about 50 Haitians to nation hit with gang violence, ending monthslong pause in flightsAlleged homicide suspect fatally shot by police in San Francisco Bay AreaArizona State starting quarterback Jaden Rashada enters transfer portalJudge hears testimony in man's bid for a new trial for girl's 1988 killingKansas adds AJ Storr after he led Wisconsin in scoring this seasonPackers could still look to upgrade secondary in NFL draft even after adding Xavier McKinneyVirginia school bus hits DMV building, injures driver and two students, officials saySeager's RBI groundout and Taveras RBI single lead the Rangers over the Tigers 9Giants may consider QB in NFL draft as Daniel Jones recovers from ACL injuryPhiladelphia Eagles want draft picks to play well, do the right thing and retire with the franchise