03.Dec.2008 Athletes, coaches & volunteers wear SOWH pride

When Special Olympics teams travel to competitions, area colors are worn. This helps keep track of members of various groups in busy airports and around the various venues. Such places are usually filled with hundreds of athletes, coaches and chaperones from throughout the state.

Area colors are also proudly worn during the impressive “Parade of Athletes” as the delegations march into Opening Ceremonies, a long, time-honored tradition.

Over the past 12 years, Special Olympics West Hawaii has always donned the color yellow. East Hawaii wears red, Central Oahu wears blue, Molokai wears green and so on.

The designs on the SOWH shirts have changed through the year. Thanks to the creativity of SOWH Area Director Dave Ross and Krystal Welch, the organization’s shirt for 2008 has a new design and slogan. On the back of the shirt, there is a big “shaka” surrounded by a lei. Above are the words “Westside Pride” in bold capitals. SOWH athlete Adrian Cleintuar graciously modeled the new shirt in this post’s photo.

“I believe that if we look good as a team, we will act well as a team. We are not just a basketball team and several bowling teams. When we travel we represent West Hawaii as a whole,” Ross said. “We are proud of our community and how supportive they are of us. ‘Westside pride’ just came off the top of my head and it’s what we are and believe in.”

SOWH has been in flux for a couple of years because athletes moved away, veteran management team members decide to leave their positions and a string of changes in area directors. SOWH is still in the process of building its numbers of athletes, coaches and volunteers, as well as gaining experience and solidifying. It’s a slow process, but a good one, said Nikki Cleintuar, long-time volunteer.

“David’s is a gifted leader and the program continues to attract volunteers who bring a wealth of skills, fresh ideas and a desire to commit for the long run,” she said. “I just think the shirt represents the spirit, enthusiasm, aloha and positive attitude of this wonderful group to a ‘T’ (Oof! was that an intentional pun?). WESTSIDE PRIDE! Is that a cool slogan, or what?”