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Story Publication logo April 16, 2018

Get Active: National Fitness Movement for Native Kids

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United states
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Soccer ball. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt. United States, 2017.
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Native American Youth: Health and Sports

Native youth are nine times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than their non-Hispanic white...

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About 400 Carroll Elementary students in New Mexico participated in an all day soccer and leadership clinic, hosted by the Notah Begay III foundation. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt. United States, 2017.
The soccer clinic at Carroll Elementary was one of the first events during NBFIT3 week—a week dedicated to kids' particiation in sports and nutrition education. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt. United States, 2017.
The students warmed up at the beginning of the clinic with basic dribbles. They were instructed to dribble the soccer ball close to their bodies and maintain control. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
During a soccer drill students were instructed to stop the ball with the body part yelled out by the volunteer coach. The students confused 'heels' for 'ears' and giggled as they did what they were told. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Students train muscle memory and soccer stance through the use of touches—'left, right touches' are one of the most practiced soccer drills as they improve footwork with the ball. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Although around 100 students took the field per session, volunteers made sure to interact with every student, making the experience more peronal. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Lyonel was determined to be an unstoppable defender during the scrimmage part of the clinic. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Students were encouraged to take at least one water break per session. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Throughout the clinic kids are full of energy. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Every single student who attended the clinic was given a soccer ball at the end of their session, with hopes that a new ball would inspire them to also play at home. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
As part of NBFIT3 week, the Notah Begay III Foundation hosted a national cross country race at the Santa Ana Golf Club. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Running Medicine team members ran the open 1k for kids ages 10 and under. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
The National Cross Country race also had an open 3k race with no age limitations. Adults cheered on the kids who passed them, the ones behind them, and the ones along their side. Image Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Runners were eager to get to the finish line where they high fives and a ribbon for participation. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
One child clapped as she was being encouraged to cross the finish line for the 1k race, while her mother shadowed behind her. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.
Community members came together to cheer runners from the sidelines as they finished the race. Image by Viridiana Vidales Coyt, United States, 2017.

NB3Fit week stems from a youth sports and leadership movement estabished by a foundation that the Native American professional golfer Notah Begay III started. During NBFIT3 Week, the Notah Begay Foundation (NB3) calls to action tribes, communities, schools, and organizations to host youth health and leadership activities throughout the week. NB3 aims to engage 12,000 Native American Youth across the nation to inspire the youth and their families to "activate healthy lifestyles."

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