Athletes demonstrate skills, agility, endurance world Eskimo-Indian Olympics showcases survival skills.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Alaska This Month

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Two men sit facing one another, struggling in a tug of war, straining against twine loops around their ears. The ear pull event is described as "a game of stamina to pain."

It is one of more than a dozen events in the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, held July 16 to July 19 at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. Other events also require stunning skill and endurance, from the knuckle hop to the four-man carry to the one-foot high kick. The games demonstrate skills honed by circumpolar Native people in daily life.

Throughout history, Natives of the Arctic competed in games of strength, endurance, balance and agility, according to Perry Ahsogeak, chairman of the WEIO board of governors. The gathering also included storytelling, dancing and an opportunity for visiting, he said.

"The spirit of our games is to preserve the survival of a culture that is rich with history, stories and spirituality," Ahsogeak said.

The highlight for Ahsogeak each year is the grand entrance. Dance groups, athletes and Miss WEIO contestants parade into the event center while rhythms and strains from drummers and singers fill the air. Excited contestants wave to the audience.

"This makes me so proud of my heritage in that we can portray the greatness of who we are and do it in a friendly competition with athletes helping each other during the competition," he said.

He described the caring attitude shown by WEIO participants.

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"The athletes will guide each other through the actual competition. The dance groups will help each other in whatever is needed. And the Miss WEIO contestants respect one another for who they are. No other world competition does this."

The World Eskimo Olympics began in 1961 as part of the fledgling Golden Days celebration, according to Ahsogeak. The event was sponsored by the City of Fairbanks through the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce until 1969. In 1976, a nonprofit organization was formed to plan and stage the growing annual event.

By 1973...