Help Blaze Teach Traditional Sports To Other American Indian Boys

Blaze Burrows is only 16, but he already has a big dream. Blaze wants to create a training program to revive a traditional boy's stick game called Kyin-naal-del', which is native to some California tribes.

"When I practice and play Kyin-naal-del', it makes me feel good I am proud to practice a native sport; my hope is that it will help others to feel good and be proud too. I think it can inspire more youth to learn and practice their heritage and provide a healthy active option."

Blaze's training program will foster cultural awareness, teach the Native language, and be a positive outlet for the boys in the Round Valley community. The program will culminate with a series of tournaments to showcase the revived stick game in the community.

All over the United States, American Indian communities are working to keep their traditional languages and cultures alive against many challenges. But as a Running Strong "Dreamstarter" — Blaze is one of ten remarkable young people with dreams of promoting arts and culture in their communities. Together, by supporting Blaze, we can make sure his dreams come true.

Sign the pledge and show Blaze that you believe in his dream of creating a training program to teach other Native boys Kyin-naal-del' and supporting arts and culture in his community.