Special Olympics West Hawaii

Note: SOWH athletes can participate in two sports. Practices begin Feb. 4. Anyone interested in competing or volunteering should sign-up by sending SOWH volunteer coordinator KC Strand an e-mail at zionvideos@yahoo.com. You may also contact Lona Warner, head of delegation, at 808-989-2080, 808-327-0491 or biglona@hotmail.com.

SOFTBALL & T-BALL
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays & Fridays at Old Kona Airport Park’s baseball field, located at the end of Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona.

SWIMMING
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays & Fridays at the Kona Community Aquatic Center, located at 75-5500 Kuakini Hwy. in Kailua-Kona.

POWERLIFTING
5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays at The Club at Kona, located at 75-5699 Kopiko St. in Kailua-Kona.
11 a.m. to noon Saturdays at The Club at Kona, located at 75-5699 Kopiko St. in Kailua-Kona.

TRACK & FIELD
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays & Thursdays at Kealakehe High School’s track, located at 74-5000 Puohulihuli St. in Kailua-Kona.

To participate:
* Volunteers must fill out the required forms, available online at www.specialolympicshawaii.org/volunteers.htm.
* Athletes must fill out the required forms, available online at www.specialolympicshawaii.org/a&f-registration.htm.

The Hawaii Island Paddlesport Association is holding its 11th annual Valentine’s Day relay race for couples at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 at Honokohau Small Boat Harbor in Kailua-Kona.

Competitors race in one- and two-man outrigger canoes, as well as on top of paddleboards and standup paddleboards.

The race continues to grow because it’s a family friendly event. It also raises money for a chosen charity. This year, HIPA decided to donate funds to Special Olympics West Hawaii, especially since Special Olympics Hawaii lost its state funding in schools. Money will also be given to Greg Cameron, of the Kailua-Kona Fire Station, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer, said Ronona Della Cioppa, HIPA vice president.

Race entry costs $25. More information can be found online at www.kaikahoe.org.

Donations in honor of SOWH or Greg Cameron are now being accepted. Contributions may be sent via mail to Ronona Della Cioppa, 76-6254 Koko Olua Way, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Questions? Call 989-7066.

Special Olympics West Hawaii’s 2009 kickoff party was a resounding success.

Roughly 60 SOWH athletes, volunteers, coaches, and family members socialized Jan. 18 at Kahaluu Beach Park, where ono grinds were served and a live band was heard.

Athletes signed up for Spring sports, which the season begins Feb. 4. Yearbooks were also autographed and cherished.

Here are some scenes from the event:

From left to right: Jan (vocals), Paul (drums), John (saxophone), Lorenzo (guitar) and Jim (guitar) provided groovy tunes throughout the day. This first-rate band, Bikini Beach, played literally everything. To learn more about the band, call Jim at 324-1702.

Catering to the vegan palate, Krystal Welch served Boca Burgers. She also produced the beautiful yearbooks for all the athletes.

Chipper Chapple and Carl Warner are volunteers, unified partners and the hardest working members of the SOWH ohana. Here, they’re rocking to the music.

The centerpiece of any get together is fabulous food. Seen here are the Kings of Cuisine — basketball coach Matt Martin and SOWH athlete Henry Langidrik.

The highlight of the kickoff party was the much anticipated announcement of the annual SOWH awards in recognition of outstanding service and achievement throughout 2008. Each recipient is chosen carefully based on a variety of criteria.

“Receiving an SOWH award is a meaningful honor that is never taken lightly,” said Nikki Cleintuar, long-time volunteer. “Each of our 2008 award winners has worked hard all year long, put in serious effort, shown courage, met challenges and/or made signifcant contributions to the SOWH program.”

Lorna Warner received the Lifetime Ambassador Award, given to an individual who has made a lifetime commitment to SOWH above and beyond the scope of most. Warner serves as SOWH head of delegation, coach and kumu hula. She has served as a volunteer for the organization more than 30 years. Pictured with her is SOWH Area Director Dave Ross.

Andy Barfoot received the Outstanding Coach Award, given to the coach of any sport who has demonstrated a high degree of personal commitment to SOWH athletes through a quality sports training program. Barfoot is a multi-sport coach, unified partner and tireless volunteer.

The Yong Ohana received the Outstanding Family Award, given to the family of a SOWH athlete who has demonstrated unique and outstanding support. Pictured are Bob (dad), Mary Conner (SOWH athlete/friend), Dave, Sharon (mom) and Michael Tom Makanui (SOWH athlete).

Apple Isidro received the Outstanding Female Athlete Award, given to an athlete whose involvement represents fellow athletes statewide, as well as has great skill, courage, sharing and joy. Pictured are Mary, Robbie and Dave .

Kealoha “Dukie” Kaawa received the Outstanding Male Athlete Award, given to an athlete whose involvement represents fellow athlete, as well as has great skill, courage, sharing and joy.
Pictured with him is Dave.

Wendy Carey and Adrian accepted for Safeway the Outstanding Organization Award, given to a group or business that has significantly improved SOWH athletes’ experiences.

Doreen Parker received the Outstanding Unified Partner Award, given to a volunteer whose involvement in SOWH truly represents unified partners, as well as has great skill, courage, sharing and joy. Also pictured is Dave.

K.C. Strand received the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to SOWH. Pictured also is Dave.

West Hawaii Today received the Outstanding Media Award for its commitment and support of SOWH. Its Editorial and Sports Departments have enthusiatically covered several SOWH athletes and events. Reporter Carolyn Lucas created and voluntarily maintains the SOWH blog. Former WHT photographer and Hawaii247.org founder Baron Sekiya is hosting the blog for free.