COMMUNITY EVENTS
PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmers selected as ambassadors for health.
PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmers have been selected to share their experiences and insights with the North American Native and Indigenous people in upcoming University of Oklahoma’s American Indian Institute conferences.
2014 PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swimmers present the workshop:
“PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swim Program: Swimming for Life, One Stroke at a Time”
Seven participants (Colville and Lakota) completed the PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swim Week in
October, 2014. Literally and metaphorically they took the plunge and immersed themselves into an 8-day intensive of healthy lifestyles and nutrition, creating their success, one stroke at a time.
2015 Native Diabetes Prevention Conference
American Indian Institute, University of Oklahoma (Phoenix, AZ), January 25-28, 2015.
14th Native Men’s and Women’s Wellness Conference
American Indian Institute, University of Oklahoma (San Diego, CA) March 22-25, 2015.
About the American Indian Institute: The American Indian Institute (Aii) was established in 1951 at the University of Oklahoma, as a non-profit Native American service, training and research organization. Aii is a department within the University of Oklahoma’s Division of Public and Community Services in University Outreach. We provide outreach services and form collaborative partnerships with American Indian, Alaska Native and Canadian First Nation tribes and bands. https://aii.ou.edu//
PATHSTAR Participants partner with tribal Diabetes and Health programs to sponsor the
‘Take Charge of Your Health’ Triathlon
hosted by the Colville Indian Reservation in Omak, WA
Inspired by her participation in the PATHSTAR Alcatraz Swim Week, Shelli Martinez, physical activities lifestyle specialist on the Colville Indian Reservation in Omak, WA, collaborated with tribal health and diabetes programs at home to develop and sponsor an annual ‘Take Charge of Your Health’ triathlon. With the theme of ‘Building Healthy Habits for a Healthy Lifetime,’ Colville PATHSTAR Alcatraz swimmers worked with members of the Colville Tribes Diabetes Program and Tribal Health in preparation and training which culminated on Aug. 2, 2014, in the event consisting of a 500-yard swim at Omak Lake, followed by a 10-mile bike ride, and finishing with a three-mile run/jog/walk.
Continuing with its emphasis on community building and a long-term commitment to nutrition and healthy lifestyles, the 2nd Annual Take Charge of Your Health triathlon will be Aug. 1, 2015. People can do as much as they want and all fitness levels are encouraged to participate. Athletes do not have to do all three events alone. They can sign up as a team, with each member performing one of the three events. PALS will also help assemble a team for those who want to do a single event but need additional teammates. “The training is minimal,” says Sonny Sellers, Wellness Center Coordinator, “with two bike rides and two runs per weeks total.” The training is set up to be a very do-able training plan in order to make the goal attainable for those just starting out.” Training for the triathlon will begin in March and run through August, a six-month commitment. People who make a commitment to the training provided would learn how to properly prepare for the race.
For more information about the event or training program contact: Shelli Martinez at (509) 422-7502 or shelli.martinez@colvilletribes.com.