The first presenter focused on the Arctic Winter Games, which is the presentation I have chosen to blog about. The Arctic Winter Games are an international biennial celebration of circumpolar sports and culture. They were founded by the Governor of Alaska, as well as the Commissioners of the Northwest Territories and Yukon, as were to serve as a place where athletes could come to compete on their own terms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_Winter_Games).
The purpose of these games includes:
- Social exchanges with other countries
- Athletic competitions
- Respect for all nations, athletes and spectators
There are many mainstream activities that are included at these games, but I found it the most exciting to learn about the not-so-mainstream ones.
In the One-Foot High Kick, the athlete takes a running approach and jump up in order to kick the target. The athlete must then also land on the ground with the same foot that they kicked the target with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcyEDFw-S9U
This particular event reminds me of high jump in Track and Field, you have a similar run to the pole, but only in this even you are kicking up instead of over a target.
There is also the knuckle hop, which looks to me to be the most physically demanding of the non-traditional sports. The athlete propels themselves forward along the floor, using only their knuckles. It makes my hands hurt just watching the videos of them doing this! The person who can go the farthest is declared the winner.
I just don't know how they can do that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=u-EgxF_5pYM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZT1SSR3xt4
This video is from the Rick Mercer Report and showcases the games that I have mentioned above. I like that the Inuit have taken mainstream activities and incorporated their culture to form the Arctic Winter Games, where these cultures can come together, be showcased and celebrated!
Until next time,
Janelle
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