INUVIK
Although he wasn't expecting it, Underwood Day fell into the role of instructor naturally Aug. 25.

Armed Forces member Ryan Edgars tries his skill at the Alaskan high kick at a Northern Games demonstration and workshop Aug. 25 at the Inuvik Community Corporation building. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"It just makes me feel good that we're showing the games, sharing the culture," he said.

"It's good to see them try."

He was referring to the four Armed Forces personnel who turned out for a Northern Games demonstration at the Inuvik Community Corporation building.

Day and friend and fellow athlete Keenen Wolki were surprised to learn that they would be leading the regular Tuesday session, but pleased as well. They led the small group assembled through the bench-reach - in which participants have to use their core muscles to stretch out over the edge of a bench, lower legs anchored on it, without falling - and through a series of high kicks.

"I just got back from the World Eskimo Indian Olympics and I thought there would be a youth category," said Day, 14.

"There wasn't but I came in ninth out of 30 in one event."

Wolki, 16, started training for Northern Games about two years ago and said the bench-reach is his favourite event.

"I really like seeing people who have never done it before getting up and trying," he told the Drum.

Day said the sport runs in his family and that when he gave it a try, he found he was good at it.

His favourite event is the one-foot kick and he said he practises at his house between three and four times a week.

"It's part of my culture, it's what we used to do," he said.

"I was doing pretty good, and I just decided to keep going. It's one of many sports I do, but this is my favourite."

While both young men play a multitude of other sports, they are both committed to Northern Games.

"It's a good thing to do," said Wolki.

"During the summer, it gets pretty boring, not a lot to do, so this is good."

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