by Greg Lincoln
It’s so good to see everyone in person, said Nicole Johnston – head judge and volunteer for the 2021 Traditional Games that were held in Anchorage this past weekend, which were hosted by the Sealaska Heritage Institute.
And it is. NYO and WEIO were sidelined due to the pandemic for the past 2 years.
“I think we all just feel super grateful,” said Traditional Games organizer Kyle Worl of Juneau. “It’s been a really long year and a half and not being able to come together and celebrate our culture and games this way. I think we’re just all so grateful to be together and to see each other and to see the sportsmanship in the games. I’m just really happy being here, it feels good.”
45-50 athletes participated between the two days of the event held at Begich Middle School’s gymnasium.
Along with Johnston and Worl in attendance were native games culture bearers – Phillip Blanchett and Donna Elliot Bach – originally of Bethel, Nome’s Joni Earp, and the Eskimo Ninja Warrior Nick Hanson of Unalakleet. Participating were also some athletes from the LKSD NYO All Stars past from Kwigillingok and Kipnuk.
The Overall Athlete award were given to Eden Hopson of Anchorage and Kyle Worl of Juneau. The Sportsmanship Award went to Nick Hanson of Unalakleet.
Other participants hailed from Juneau, Kodiak, Bethel, Unalakleet, and the Anchorage area. It was good to see everyone reconnecting, re-networking, and reestablishing those NYO bonds that were put on hold during the shutdown. Events were broadcast via livestream by the Sealaska Heritage Institute, co-sponsor for the games.
Thanks for the greetings everyone, good job and it was great to see you all and we will see you again soon. Results for the games will be posted traditionalgames.sealaskaheritage.org.
