On Tuesday, September 2, both First Lady Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren and I joined the Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Program’s (NSDP) Mountain Biking Challenge. We both biked eight miles total on the beautiful dirt road trail of the St. Michael’s summit trail.
With the recent rainfall, the course was muddy, but the sun still shined through the trees as each bikers passed each other with encouragement.
Last week, First Lady and I also participated in the Duathlon Event, which also used the same trail. Together, we believe that taking care of our physical and spiritual well-being can start with being active.
In doing so, we have both participated in the frequent 5k and biking events across Navajo as a reminder of how important it is to take care of our health, but to also support each community’s journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Within each mile we bike or run, we build our strength from the land and with each other. We can also have fun.
Honorable Germaine Simonson challenged us in “Slowest Biker Wins,” where we had to balance on our bikes and cross the finish line without our feet touching the ground. It was a good exercise of testing our balance and patience.
Events like this allow us to continue coming together and ensure a healthier future for our kids, elders and ourselves.
Thank you to NSDP and volunteers for hosting this event and ensuring each biker had hydration, snacks and words of encouragement. Lastly, good job to all the biking participants and First Lady for taking the challenge of testing your endurance and strength on the course.
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
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