West Hawaii Today reporter and SOWH blog editor Carolyn Lucas wrote an article about Kalamaku, a ministry of Mokuaikaua Church enabling people with disabilities to experience the joy and passion of outrigger canoe paddling. The article, featuring SOWH athletes, was published Monday, May 4, and can be view on the newspaper’s Web site. Here’s an excerpt:
It is in the outrigger canoe that Shannon Salas feels the most proud.
He feels like a champion when gliding to shore with his teammates, slicing the ocean in unison and seeing his sister cheer for him at end of Kailua Pier. There, in the canoe, he is able to soar above and defy expectations.
Things that separate him from others seem to disappear. Instead there’s an ocean of possibilities and a desire to do his best.
West Hawaii Today freelance photographer Brad Ballesteros took the following fantastic photos of Kalamaku, of which you can spot some familar faces. He gave his permission, allowing SOWH to use his images and captions on this blog. He hopes you enjoy his work.
Kahu Brian Boshard shakes the hand of Murray Williams, a Kalamaku and SOWH participant, before racing in the Kai Opua Businessmen’s Canoe Regatta Sunday, May 3.
During the 10th annual Kai Opua Businessmen’s Canoe Regatta, two Kalamaku teams competed against each other in the adaptive paddling division. It was their first competitive activity of the year.
To get involved or learn more about Kalamaku, contact Kahu Brian Boshard at 937-3208, Mesepa Tanoai at 936-6695 or Roger and Karen Kloepping at 327-9673.
