West Hawaii Today reporter Erin Miller wrote a wonderful article, published Friday, May 2, revealing Special Olympics West Hawaii’s need for more athletes, coaches and volunteers. In it, readers learn why residents chose to get involved and the impact this nonprofit organization has made.
Here is an excerpt:
“I credit Special Olympics with him being where he is today, being able to get up and dance hula and not being chicken,” Nikki Cleintuar said. “He wasn’t ever shy, but he had no self-confidence.”
The Cleintuar family moved to West Hawaii 11 years ago, when Adrian was 13. At the time, he’d given on up playing sports, Cleintuar said. One basketball practice with other Special Olympics athletes changed his mind.
Now 24, Adrian works at Safeway and has friends all over the community. She described some of those benefits and lessons from a mother’s perspective. People not related to Special Olympics athletes are drawn to the program, but she can’t pinpoint the reason.
“I’m not sure what it is about the athletes that moves them in a special way,” Cleintuar said.
Also accompanying the article are photos taken by West Hawaii Today photographer Baron Sekiya. He captured some fabulous moments between coaches and athletes during softball and swimming practice.
To see the images and read the article, click here. Or, visit www.westhawaiitoday.com and search the archives.
