Longtime volunteer Nikki Cleintuar took the following fabulous images of Special Olympics West Hawaii and East Hawaii teams, competing at the Big Island Games Day Saturday, July 22, 2008. A big mahalo goes out to Nikki and Special Olympics East Hawaii Area Director Carey Uchida, who helped with the captions.
ENJOY!
The Hilo Explosions All Stars soccer team suited up and ready to take the field for their first game. Kneeling in front, from left to right, is Karen Rita, Sean Conley and Jann Nakoa. Standing, from left to right, is Coach Jordan Canion, John Garry, Chris Liberato, Greg Villafuerte, Jeff Macaysa, Patricia Ugalde and Coach Sonny Kahili. (Note from Nikki: Wait a second. Who is that wearing the yellow hat and lurking in the background? Isn’t that West Hawaii soccer coach Andy Barfoot?)
The winning soccer team was the East Hawaii All Stars. Here the team proudly shows off their first place blue ribbons. Lower row, from left to right, is Chris Liberato, Greg Villafuerte, Karen Rita and John Garry. Upper row, from left to right, is Jann Nakoa, Sean Conley, Jeff Macaysa and Patricia Ugalde.
Go West Hawaii Lions! Kneeling, from left to right, is Kigen Hanato-Wells and Jason Nagatori. Standing, from left to right, is Robbie Sanoria, Head Coach, Andy Barfoot, Greg Routery, Alvin Carvalho, Shannon Salas, Assistant Coach Steve Strand.
East Hawaii bocce teams proudly display their awards. Mark Tellio and Trevor Yadao captured fourth place. Chandra Chee and Erica Shigematsu received third place. Eleanor Ibarra and Tiare Macanas got second place. Alson Pestrello and Dana Feldner won first place.
Let’s hear it for the home team! The West Hawaii Lions proudly receive their second place red ribbons. In front, from left to right, is Alvin Carvalho and goalie Jason Nagatori. Up in back, from left to right, is Greg Routery, Robbie Sanoria, Shannon Salas and Kigen Hanato-Wells.
The Hilo Explosions Dragons soccer team battled hard for its third place standing. From left to right is Coach Lori Nakashima, Special Olympics East Hawaii Area Director Cindy Uchida, Jocelyn Garcia, Joy Ushijima, Marco Melillo, Michael Mitts, Jason Pascua and Kyle Nakasone.
Here are the members of the West Hawaii bocce team. Kneeling, from left to right, is Kealoha “Ray” Donager, unified partner Kelly Yonemura and Norman Matsubara. Apple Isidro is in the wheelchair. Standing, from left to right, is Henry, Michael Tom Makanui, Amy Aguiar, unified partner Bob Yong, unified partner Carl Warner, unified partner Doreen Parker, Adrian Cleintuar, Duke Kaawa, Murray Williams, Coach Lona Warner and unified partner Amy Chang.
Here are the members of the Explosions bocce teams. Front row is Tiare Macanas, Darwin Nagamine, Brandon Reny Wong and Gail Yoshishige. Second row is Justin Legaspi, Lorien Bentley, Jillian Hatada, Teresa Moore, Denise DeMotta and Eleanor Ibarra. Back row is Mike Kimoto, Suzy Lauer, Les Matsumoto, Karen Melillo and Else Ushijima.
From left to right are Red Waves bocce players Eddie Ah Sing, Ehleeboy Umayas and unified partner Kalei Galario.
