Two Boys With Ties To Copper Valley Win At Arctic Winter Games

Daniel & Jo Jo Rodgers, Grandchildren Of Kathy Stratton, Excelled At Arctic Winter Games 

BY ELIZABETH (STRATTON) RODGERS  – MARCH 21ST, 2024 

The 2024 Mat-Su Arctic Winter Games was a fun, fast-paced, action-filled week! Daniel and Joseph Rodgers competed for Alaska daily in the Arctic Sports category. They lived in the Athlete's Village the entire week, eating, sleeping, playing and joining in the pin trading frenzy with athletes, coaches, officials, fans and families from around the circumpolar north! 

They even interacted with foreign dignitaries, the most notable being Canada's Governor General, Mary Simon. It was an experience to treasure for a lifetime! Some of the week's highlights were when the Mat-Su Deaf children and adults, along with the Executive Director of SESA, came to watch Daniel win the SILVER ulu, kicking 82" in the Alaskan High Kick!!! 

Joseph took fourth place in the same event kicking a new personal best of 78". JoJo also placed fourth in the Kneel Jump with another new personal record of 46 1/4"! Daniel came within a hairbreadth of the finals in Arm Pull. The brothers ended up in a tie for eighth place as Overall Athletes. Alaska's young athletes gave their best and didn't falter when put in the spotlight. 

Daniel Rodgers with the Silver Ulu Award. 

Daniel was awarded the Fair Play pin, being recognized for his smiley sportsmanship and inspiration as he breaks new grounds for Deaf athletes. Team Alaska coaches gave both boys Yupik names, now calling them Donio and JoDock. We are so honored and grateful to be a part of the NYO community. NYO has enriched our lives in multiple ways and we look forward to the future growth of this community and sport!

Next stop, Juneau Traditional Games and Senior State Championships (which includes Yukon), to close out Alaska's 2024 NYO competitive season!