PRESS RELEASE - Spetember 9, 2010
CONTACT: Daniel Vandever, Public Information Officer
Phone: 928-810-8510
Email: dwvandever@gmail.com

Grandma Thomas highlights Ashkii Happy Kids Day

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – School buses unloaded by the dozens at the 64th Annual Navajo Nation Fair, and thousands of Navajo children were greeted with a day dedicated to them.

Ashkii Happy Kids Day was sponsored by First Things First, and included free gifts and activities for all those in attendance. The Navajo youth were showered with free handouts from everyone from the Office of Youth Development to KTNN radio station. President Dr. Joe Shirley and the First Lady were even in attendance passing out backpacks and school supplies.

While everyone in Navajo Nation was doing their part in appreciating the youth, one face stood out in the crowd for her dedication to the future of the Navajo Nation.

Grandma Thomas of Chinle, Arizona was honored to begin Kids Day after spending the last 16 years walking the highways of the reservation in an effort to raise enough money to build a youth center in Chinle.

“There are a lot of beautiful and wonderful children here today!” expressed Grandma Thomas. “I love all of you!”

As her words spread across the Song and Dance arena on the Navajo Nation fairgrounds, the children stopped from tug-o-war and other activities to listen.

“No one ever told me I was beautiful when I was little, so I want to tell you all that you are.”

Larita Stevens, who was the coordinator for Kids Day, was proud to present Grandma Thomas to Kids Day, and was even prouder of why she was there.

“This was great today because people can take her message of how to appreciate the kids. It is a proud moment for all of us here.”

Parents and schoolteachers took the day off from school to attend Ashkii Happy Kids Day and where pleased with what the fair was doing for the kids.

“It’s important for [the fair] to focus on the youth,” stated a teacher from Kindahlichiolta School in Ganado, Arizona. “Adults get to guide them about healthcare and they get to release a lot of energy by being themselves.”

Several organizations were present at youth day hoping to spread awareness on health issues that face the Navajo youth, including obesity.

Ora Nez was in attendance representing the Fort Defiance WIC Nutrition Program and was wanting to spread tips on healthy living habits

“Obesity rates are really high right now, so we’re promoting healthy nutrition,” explained Nez. “You have to send a good message to the parents and the grandparents.”

Also included in on Kids Day were a mascot race, a fruit scramble and a talent show.

For more information please visit www.navajonationfair.com or contact the Fair Office at 928.871.6478, 928.871.7998 or 928.871.7979.

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