Credit Courtesy of UCSD
A rhythmic beating followed by soft clapping and cheering echoes through the Unalaska high school gym. It s the sound of about eight high schoolers hopping across the gym floor on their toes and knuckles bodies hovering just inches above the ground. They re practicing the seal hop, a Native Youth Olympics event. It s an event many athletes thought they wouldn’t have the chance to practice together this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Like last year, the NYO games are being held virtually. However, despite a late start to the season, 21 Unalaska student athletes returned to the gym this month for in-person practice.