April 30, 2011

I have attached a few pictures of the team competing in their events. We are have a great time. It is a new experience for many on the team and their nerves have been running high:)

James has competed in the kneel jump and toe kick so far. He has learned a lot the past two days watching these events. He did very well in the toe kick and stayed in four rounds. Very well done for a first timer:) He continued to make improvements on each of his jumps during the kneel jump. He will compete tomorrow in the Seal Hop on a wooden floor!

Desta competed in the toe kick and Eskimo Stick Pull today. What a great experience for her. It takes a lot of nerve to get up in front of hundreds of people and compete. She did great and should feel very proud of her growth and accomplishments.

Shauna competed in both of her events yesterday. She started off with the wrist carry and made it about a fourth of the way around the track. She had two carriers from another team carry her. When she was finished she was shaking for awhile from nerves, but was very proud. Right after lunch she competed in the Alaskan High Kick. This was her strongest event, but had a hurt wrist and struggled in the first round. Shauna was able to watch all the other competitors and learn new techniques.

Dino has competed in the wrist carry, Alaskan High Kick and two foot High Kick so far. He had two carriers from Anchorage that carried him half way around the track. He did great in the Alaskan High Kick also. This was his first year doing this event and seemed to enjoy it. During the two foot High Kick today he kick his highest ever at 70 inches:) Dino is an experienced NYO teammate so he has been able to catch up with many friends from the past years. He will compete tommorrow in his favorite event the one foot high kick.

Derrick competed in the Eskimo Stick Pull today. Not only did nerves take over, but he went up against the guy who won the whole thing first:} He did great and will compete in the Indian Stick Pull tomorrow.

Cara competed in the one arm reach. She has made superb improvements on her technique and reach. She stayed in five rounds and was the last three left in her group. She received many complements on her extended reach. She will compete in the one foot high kick tomorrow. She has also been able to catch up with many friends from around the state that she has met over the years traveling with basketball, FEA, Leadership Conferences, and ANSEP.

Taylor will compete in her two events tomorrow. Seal Hop and Indian Stick Pull.

We have spent many hours on the bleachers watching, eating good food, and are now at a dance:) We have truly appreciated all the help with travel we received from the City of St. Paul, Aleut Corp, TDX, CBSFA, Tribal Government of St. Paul, APIA, AEIN, and the Pribilof School District. This is such a great opportunity for these students. Enjoy!