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Heflin Embodies Spirit of Native Youth Olympics
16-year-old Inupiaq athlete finds community, culture, and joy in traditional games
Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:49pm
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The Native Youth Olympics celebrate Alaska's Indigenous cultures through traditional athletic competitions that transcend individual achievement.Anchorage TodayDon Heflin, a 16-year-old sophomore at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School, has been competing in the Native Youth Olympics (NYO) for a decade, starting in Junior NYO in first grade. As a proud Inupiaq, Heflin loves how the games help preserve his culture and make him feel even closer to it. While he has found success in the games, winning multiple medals, Heflin believes the true spirit of NYO is about having fun and testing oneself, not just going for gold.
Why it matters
The NYO Games provide a unique opportunity for Alaska's Indigenous youth to celebrate their cultural heritage through traditional athletic competitions. In an era when many young people are disconnecting from their roots, Heflin's deep connection to the games and his culture represents the positive impact these events can have on preserving Native identity and community.
The details
Heflin has excelled in several NYO events, including the Alaskan high kick, two-foot high kick, and one-arm reach. He spends about two hours a day practicing and training, working on his strength, forearm, and grip strength to prepare. Heflin also had a standout performance at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, tying world records in the Alaskan high kick and two-foot high kick. However, he says the highlight was connecting with other Indigenous athletes from across the Arctic Circle and learning about their cultures.
- Heflin has been competing in the NYO Games for a decade, starting in Junior NYO in first grade.
- The 2026 NYO senior games started on Thursday, April 16 and wrap up with closing ceremonies on Saturday, April 18.
The players
Don Heflin
A 16-year-old sophomore at Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School who has been competing in the Native Youth Olympics for a decade and finds a deep connection to his Inupiaq culture through the games.
Jayden Andrew-Parrett
Heflin's fellow Anchorage Team member who won the Alaskan High Kick event with a mark of 92 inches.
What they’re saying
“I really found my love for NYO with the community. That was one thing that really drew me in. It was hard to find the support in other sports and the positivity that these games have.”
— Don Heflin
“A lot of people lose the spirit of these games over time when they keep going. That's not really the point of these games. These are to have fun and test yourself.”
— Don Heflin
The takeaway
Heflin's deep commitment to the Native Youth Olympics and his Inupiaq heritage serves as an inspiring example of how these cultural events can foster a strong sense of community, identity, and personal growth among Indigenous youth. His story highlights the value of preserving traditional practices and celebrating them through friendly competition, rather than solely focusing on winning.
