This year's Native Youth Olympics competition began with a record-setting performance in the kneel jump on Friday, as Mark Kassaiuli of Newtok jumped 66-1/4" to better the old record by nearly two inches.
The games continue through Sunday at the Dena'ina Convention Center and organizers expect more records to fall in most of the kicking events based on results in practices and qualifying events. Some athletes to watch:
• Mary Dyment, Bethel, took second place in last year's Seal Hop. Her sights are set on the state record of 144 feet, 6-1/2 inches
• Jaclyn Weston, Anchorage, holds the state record in the Alaskan High Kick. She's back this year to protect and improve that record.
• Marian Wamsley, Gilson Junior High in Valdez, and Alice Strick, Mat-Su, have both looked strong in the One Foot High Kick. Strick is the defending champion and current state record holder for both the one foot and two foot high kicks.
• Yako McCarr, Lower Kuskokwin School District, returns to defend his 2010 crown in the One Hand Reach and the Alaskan High Kick
Brian Randazzo Jr., Anchorage, is a newer face to watch this year in the one foot and two foot high kicks. His father holds the world record in the two foot high kick and competed in the games for years. Officials expect his son will follow in his father's footsteps.
Stuart Tocktoo, Bering Strait School District, will be competition for Randazzo in the one foot and two foot high kicks.
Activities besides the athletic events include several musical and dance performances by Alaska Native artists headlined by a free concert by Pamyua on Saturday. An Opportunities Expo features businesses that can help prepare young athletes for future success. On Sunday is the finale of the Pilot Bread recipe contest. Entrants submit recipes and memories of eating this rural Alaska favorite.
Information and a complete schedule can be found at the Cook Inlet Tribal Council website.
For those who can't make it to the Games, they will be streaming on www.bssd.org thanks to the Bering Strait School District. And, Games organizer Cook Inlet Tribal Council will post results online.
The Games are organized by Cook Inlet Tribal Council and supported by numerous companies and organizations throughout the state. Many former participants now serve as Games officials, coaches and volunteers.
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