When it’s played the way it’s supposed to be played, basketball happens in the air; flying, floating, elevated above the floor, levitating the way people of this earth imagine themselves in their dreams.
— John Edgar Wideman
Volunteer Nikki Cleintuar wrote the following captions and took the awesome images of Special Olympics West Hawaii athletes, coaches and volunteers at Tuesday’s basketball practice. Mahalo for capturing and sharing the moments below.
May this great service bring others joy.
Basketball head coach and SOWH Area director David Ross is ready to pump up his players in their last week of practice before the big Holiday Classic weekend on Oahu.
Safe and smart. That’s SOWH’s motto. Each basketball practice session begins with a full contingent of warm-ups, laps and stretches.
New SOWH athlete Frankie Sheldon (left) is deciding if basketball could be his sport of choice. He came to check out the action with his personal assistant and friend Eric.
SOWH athlete Shannon Salas (center) waits from his rebound from SOWH athlete Jason Nagatori’s shot, with back up from basketball assistant coach Matt Martin (right).
SOWH athlete Robert Sanoria executes a jump shot during drills.
Basketball head coach gets ready to block SOWH athlete Wendy Carey’s pass.
SOWH athlete Marinna Takahashi-Ruiz shoots for two while basketball head coach Dave Ross tries fro the rebound.
From left to right: SOWH athletes Duke Kaawa, Shannon Salas and Marianna Takahashi-Ruiz think basketball practic is more than just a good workout. For the trio, it also means having fun, as well as hanging out and sharing laughs with friends.
Meet the West Hawaii Panthers. Kneeling, from left to right, are Wendy Carey, head coach Dave Ross, Dara Sabri, Jason Nagatori and Shane Follosco. In the center is Duke Kaawa. Standing in back, from left to right, are Robbie Sanoria, Byron Pabre, assistant coach Matt Martin, Shannon Salas, Patrick Dungate and Marinna Takahashi-Ruiz.
