Seven West Hawaii lifters vied for honors in the Weinberg Regional Powerlifting Meet, held Sunday, April 11, at The Club in Kona following the Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run. Participation in this meet qualifies athletes for the next level of competition: State Summer Games on Oahu (May 28, 29 and 30).
Head Coach Denise Lindsey, as well as Assistant Coaches Ben Sulliban, Shannon Hardy, Kapiolani Tachera, Jizell Yates and Josh Yong, have had their athletes practicing hard since the first of the year. It showed in this meet. Proper training is very systematic and each individual lifter’s plan must be customized to help them reach their maximum potential with absolute safety.
There are only a handful of qualified coaches in the entire state who have the knowledge and experience to run a top-notch program. Coach Lindsey, a champion lifter in her own right, is the best-of-the-best. Special Olympics West Hawaii is grateful for her continuing years of service to Team West Hawaii, as well as the State powerlifting program.
“This has been an exciting and challenging season,” Lindsey said. “All but two of our powerlifters are completely new to the sport and our team ranges in age from 14 to 50. Also, we have three women competing this year, which is great.”
A quality program attracts help from many sources and Lindsey is grateful for that.
“I must give props to the assistant coaches,” she said. “Without their love and support for the program, it would be almost impossible for me to do this solo. Our Special Olympics powerlifting athletes respect one another and their coaches. This respect was nurtured and taught before they entered powerlifting. I believe it began with a great family foundation and a wonderful community to back it up. I am proud and grateful to be a part of Special Olympics.”
A powerlifting competition consists of three separate lift events (squat, bench press and deadlift). Each category of lift is repeated in three rounds, with the best lift used as the final score. There is also one “combination” score which is calculated upon a variety of factors, including all three lifts and body weight.
Below are the final lifts from this meet. Be sure to check back after Summer Games to see how our team stacked up against all our competitors statewide.
ATHLETE — SQUAT — BENCH — DEADLIFT — COMBO
Shannon Salas (1st year) N/A N/A 45 N/A
Edna Phillip (1st year, age 50) N/A 65 170 235
Lois Phillip (1st year, age 48) N/A 55 135 190
Ray Donager (World Games gold winner) 245 180 265 690
Isaiah Wong (age 18) 275 210 410 895
Marinna Takahashi-Ruiz (age 14) N/A N/A 90 N/A
Joel van der Hoek (1st year, age 14) N/A 60 175 235
Congratulations to all the athletes who worked hard to be ready for this competition. We are so proud of you! Mahalo nui loa to everyone who helped make this competition possible and successful.
Area Director: Dave Ross
Head Coach: Denise Lindsey
Asst. Coaches: Ben Sulliban, Shannon Hardy, Kapiolani Tachera, Jizell Yates & Josh Yong
Sponsors: The Club in Kona & Café Fit
Judges: Winston Ho, “Chisel” and Clyde Omaya
Loaders/Spotters: Darren Elisaga, Lupaka & Brian Hart
Scorekeeper: Nancy Conception
Announcer: Maggie Lobo
Medical: Head of Delegation Lona Warner
Awards: Adrian Cleintuar
Fans in da Stands: You know who you are. Thank you!



















