ICTMN Staff “Notah Begay Promotes Healthy Living to American Indian Students”

Notah Begay and Isleta Pueblo Youth-courtesy of NB3

Four-time Champion golfer Notah Begay III is returning home to Albuquerque, NM where he will lead a series of televised events as a guest speaker on Native America Calling. NAC is a live call-in program that links public radio stations, the internet and listeners together. NAC is heard on 52 stations in the United States and Canada. Mr. Begay’s message will focus on health and wellness, especially for American Indian youths. Begay comes from the Navajo, San Felipe Pueblo, and Isleta Pueblo tribes. In addition, Begay with the help of his father created the NB3 Foundation Challenge which is a non-profit organization concerned with preventing childhood obesity and diabetes.

Following this broadcast, Begay will also host a one-hour program live to 194 Bureau of Indian Education schools. According to Begay, “This is the first generation of Native American youth that may not outlive their parents due to childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes…”

Notah Begay III

Please read the entire article  to find out the schedule for the days and times of Notah Begay’s programs, and how you might help with this important mission.

Kudos to Notah Begay, NB3, and the other organizations working together to help the children!

Tags: Notah Begay, Talking Feather, Talking Stick

Kim Baca, Native American Times

Soccer fever is upon us, and for the children of the Pueblo of San Felipe in Albuquerque NM, soccer is the new “rez” ball. It’s interesting to note that soccer was started five years ago in the Pueblo by Notah Begay a professional golfer who grew up in the area.

“… After injuring his back, Begay saw what diabetes and other harmful diseases did to Native people while giving motivational speeches on the reservations.  He decided to start a foundation focusing on decreasing diabetes and obesity in children one starting with his own community.  Begay chose soccer as one of the vehicles because it was a sport he enjoyed playing as a youngster—the game also involves multiple players who have varying skill levels…”

Mike Ansera, a volunteer soccer coach from the Pueblo, and a cousin of Begay, explains that in the beginning, it was challenging to explain the game to the elders of the tribe.

” In the village growing up, it’s always been about baseball, basketball or softball,…Now it’s soccer and it’s become second nature.  No one says, ‘What is soccer?’ Now it’s, ‘Are you going to play soccer?”

There have been positive results since the game began in the small community of San Felipe. The children get much more exercise and lead healthier lives. The children are also getting better grades in other subjects in school. Parents are becoming involved and some are volunteering their time to the program. The exciting news for the village is the new soccer field scheduled to be completed this fall. The entire community is getting involved.

Read the story and share your thoughts!

Tags: Notah Begay, Pueblo of San Felipe, soccer