Special Olympics West Hawaii

NOTE: This profile is part of a weekly series intended to show the hearts and guts of Special Olympics West Hawaii participants. It is also a chance to get to know each other better. Readers will hopefully gain a better appreciation and knowledge of what each athlete, coach, volunteer, family member, friend or supporter brings to the organization. Enjoy!

Name: Isaiah Wong
Age: 17
Hometown: Kailua-Kona

What sports and activities do you participate in with Special Olympics West Hawaii?
My first sport was bowling. This Spring, I’m training in two sports I’ve never tried before: powerlifting and track & field.

What activity do you like most and why?
Powerlifting because I am growing my muscles.

What have you learned through SOWH or gained from being part of a team?
That I can meet new people and make new friends.

Why did you join SOWH?
I joined because others told my parents that since I bowl for fun, I should join SOWH for the chance to compete.

How long have you been with SOWH?
I have been an SOWH athlete since 2003.

What is the best part about participating with Special Olympics?
I like competition. I get to be with friends every time I go to practice. It’s also a chance to meet regular people — people without disabilities who care enough to be with me.

Do you have any hobbies or activities that you like to do during your free time?
I like Disney movies, drawing and taking pictures. I love fishing from the shoreline or from the boat, swimming, cookouts and get-togethers.

Who is your favorite professional athlete or role model and why?
My uncle Kelvin because he is cool.

Share an accomplishment — something you’re proud of.
I am proud of working with the Honokohau National Park Rangers when I go out on CBI (Community Based Instruction) there.

What goal do you hope to accomplish in 2009?
I want to be able to make more friends.

Favorite pitch, swim stroke or sports technique/move? Why?
The “squat” in powerlifting. I just learned it and it’s fun.

Additional remarks from grandparents Warren and Eva Wong:
Isaiah is very serious about sports and is willing to put in the effort it takes for him to do his best. His father has a home gym and has been helping him learn to use weights, but now he is excited that he will get to compete. He went out for track this Spring also and discovered he is a fast runner. He likes the 50m sprint.

Notes from long-time SOWH volunteer Nikki Cleintuar:
In Special Olympics, an athlete must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible to train and compete in powerlifting. Isaiah has the potential to become an award winning lifter.
His SOWH coach, Denise Lindsey is herself a state record-holding competitive lifter. With her many years as a Special Olympics certified coach and extensive experience in training athletes with and without disabilities, Isaiah is receiving the first-rate mentoring he needs to excel in the sport.