SAND POINT YOUNGSTERS “GOT GAME”
IN REGION’S 1st ALEUTIAN OLYMPICS

With the death rate from diabetes being three times higher for Alaska Natives than for other populations, Sarah Howell, Diabetes Case Manager for Eastern Aleutian Tribes, wanted to come up with a creative way to deliver a prevention message to our communities. She devised and developed a field day, transforming games from her childhood into Aleutian-centric games and activities. Combining elements of a healthy active lifestyle with teamwork, good sportsmanship, and village involvement, the “Aleutian Olympics: Spring Games 2009” in April at the Sand Point School was a tremendous success.
"The day of fun turned into a really meaningful way to help bridge communication between the school, the clinic, and the community,” Sarah explained. “Actions speak louder than words,” she reiterated, adding “No matter how much we talk about compassion for the people in this town, no matter how 'available' we are for them at the clinic, no matter how many meetings we have to discuss our relationship with the community, nothing says 'we really do care about you,' quite like going to where they are and spending time."
The event included games, relays, lunch and an awards ceremony. Youngsters in grades 2-6 were divided into teams, or “tribes,” named the Bison, Sea-Lions, Bald Eagles, Ptarmigan, King Crab, and Halibut. They had about two hours to complete as many events as possible, obtaining points as a tribe for simply completing each event. Junior high and high schoolers helped to run the games, while the tribes rotated through as a team, competing against themselves and receiving points based on completion, rather than based on who won.
Games and relays had local flair, with names like “Driftwood Dizzy Derby,” “Buoy Stomp,” “King Crab Sideways Race,” “Grundens Clam Dig,” “Iceberg Jump," "Purse Seine Toss," "Stone Sling Bocce," and the “Berry Stomp”. The event wasn’t all fun and games as information regarding diet, exercise, diabetes prevention, and tobacco avoidance/cessation was also available.
The day couldn’t have been the success it was without community involvement. And there was plenty of that. Juanita Smith, the school cook, prepared a healthy meal. KSDP's Kells Hetherington loaned sound equipment and helped to announce at the event as well as publicized the event in advance on the radio. Even the local police department got involved. Police Chief Joseph Shoemaker and Officer Michael Roush brought a grill and barbecued chicken. Jeanne Perkins, principal at the Sand Point School, worked with teachers to get a day off school to help out at the event. Alaska Commercial donated drinks; Trident donated two shatter packs of frozen cod for prizes. Billy Cumberlidge of Cut 'R Loose donated five single scoops of ice cream. Aleutia loaned ice bins to contain sand for the "Grundens Clam Dig". APIA loaned tables for the health fair displays. Norma Mason of Oldies But Goodies Thrift Shop donated clothes for the Blizzard Relay. Terry Holthus and Patricia Curtis donated equipment for games (Grundens and Xtratuf Boots). Sand Point residents Terry Holthus, Dawn Kochuten, Melissa Mason-Alford and Lisa Jackson also helped “bring home the gold.”
The new pastor in town, Dewayne Teague, and his wife, Frieda assisted in the effort. Ben Mobeck, Derek Wilson, and David Adams helped haul items. EAT staff members Tami Ryan, Mary Mobeck, Cathy Adams and Mami Roush were also instrumental in making the event a success
Eastern Aleutian Tribes Executive Director Patty Linduska anticipates expanding the Aleutian Olympics in schools throughout the region next school year.