Thanks to Kent Walker for the information about and photos of five East Cobb youth Ninja Warriors, including one of his own, who will be appearing next weekend on the first episode of the “American Ninja Warriors Junior” series on the Universal Kids cable outlet.
Kent says the five kids work out at Ninja Quest on Canton Road, and were among 6,000 applicants to make the initial cut.
Three are in the 13-14 age group, and two others in the 11-12 age group. They are Vance Walker and Luke Milman, who both attend Simpson Middle School. Ethan Bartnicki goes to Walton High School, and Brooks Bieber and Tate Allen are home-schooled.
Kent tells us that “A couple of them went really far in the competition. I can’t tell the exact outcome. There will be 20 episodes as the competition narrows down to one winner in each of 3 age groups.”
In other words, you’ve got to stay tuned. That debut episode is Saturday at 7 p.m.
Here’s more about the series from Universal Kids:
Gold Medal Winning Olympic Gymnast Laurie Hernandez will co-host American Ninja Warrior Junior with Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila on Universal Kids, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment’s network for kids 2-12. This next generation of American Ninja Warrior marks the first time some of the show’s biggest fans can become part of this five-time Emmy nominated worldwide phenomenon.
American Ninja Warrior Junior celebrates real kids taking on the iconic course with dedication and skill. Nearly 200 boy and girl Junior Ninjas from across the U.S. will face off on the same Head to Head courses in three age brackets: 9 & 10, 11 & 12, and 13 & 14 year olds. The courses will feature iconic Ninja Warrior obstacles, including Sonic Swing, Tic Toc, Spin Cycle, and the Warped Wall. Each age bracket will be mentored by All Star Ninja Mentors – Kevin Bull, Drew Drechsel, Natalie Duran, Meagan Martin, Najee Richardson, and Barclay Stockett. Three final winners (one per age bracket) will be crowned the first ever American Ninja Warrior Junior Champions.
“At Universal Kids, we see kids as they see themselves and want to share their stories,” said Deirdre Brennan, General Manager Universal Kids. “American Ninja Warrior Junior celebrates a kid-centric movement that everyone can be a part of and enjoy together. It will encourage and inspire all kids to push their limits and not shy away from challenges.”
“Over the last number of years, we have received an outpouring of letters and videos asking when is there going to be a Ninja show for kids? Well, the time is now! People are going to be amazed at how talented and dedicated these young ninjas are,” said Arthur Smith, CEO of A. Smith & Co. Productions and Executive Producer of the ‘American Ninja Warrior’ franchise. “They’re remarkable, and to know that they’ve been inspired by our show is immensely gratifying.”
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The fifth kid got left out of the pictures and headlines, and that is the writer’s son.
The episode is on Saturdays
I have made the correction from Sunday to Saturday. As per your other message, I have posted the photos and information that were provided to me.