Lisa J. Ward

Ward’s innovative teaching idea, “Culturally Inclusive Physical Education at ANCCS,” equips the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade, with the spaces, equipment and uniforms needed to fully participate in two of the school’s most important physical education programs: Native Youth Olympics (NYO) and badminton. According to Ward, all grade levels practice NYO and badminton, and they are the two largest afterschool athletic clubs. Currently, NYO athletes share the basketball court for high-kick training, limiting practice time for multiple sports, and the gym needs badminton court lines. With 86% of the students at ANCCS qualifying for free lunch, financial barriers limit participation despite strong community interest. This project removes those barriers by funding practice equipment, uniforms, facility improvements and competition costs to strengthen students’ connection to their culture and community through sport. Ward plans to use the Voya grant to purchase two adjustable NYO kickstands to move high-kick training out of the gym and into the multipurpose room.