Special Olympics West Hawaii

What local nonprofit organization provides sports training, on- and off-island competitions and receives no state or federal funding? What group is entirely run by volunteers and does not charge the participants and the participant’s families any training or travel expenses? If you guessed Special Olympics West Hawaii, you would be correct.

Hawaii Island residents and visitors will be able to support SOWH while enjoying a meal at the Kailua-Kona Denny’s Restaurant between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 16. Denny’s will donate 100 percent of the tips received during this time and 20 percent of all food and drink sales to SOWH.

Project Compassion is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Kona, Denny’s Restaurant and several non-profit organizations in Hawaii. The monthly events have raised awareness for many Big Island non-profits and thousands of dollars to support their programs. All proceeds from the events go to the participating charities.

Special Olympics, founded over 40 years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, believes that people with intellectual disabilities can participate in and benefit from participation in team and individual sports with the proper instruction and encouragement. Local and statewide competitions give these athletes the opportunity to measure personal growth and promotes the physical, mental and social development of the participants. Families are strengthened and the broader community benefits from seeing these athletes grow and participate in sports activities.

SOWH’s activities include basketball, softball, T-ball, track & field, swimming, power lifting, soccer and Bocce. All activities take place in an environment that promotes equality, respect and acceptance.

The Athlete’s Oath of Special Olympics is: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This oath signifies the importance of competition, personal effort and good sportsmanship.

The monies raised from the Project Compassion fundraiser will go toward supporting the Special Olympics West Hawaii’s programs and mission. This includes providing funds for transportation, uniforms and equipment. 

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy a meal and support a wonderful local organization on August 16 at Denny’s. Reservations are not required.
For more information about Special Olympics West Hawaii, contact David Ross at 808-345-1344 or by email at sowhdave@yahoo.com. Also learn more about SOWH programs online at www.sowh.org.

To learn more  about the the Rotary Club of Kona’s Project Compassion, send an e-mail to Sue McConnel, who can be reached at samcconnel@aol.com.

Special Olympics West Hawaii is having a barbecue and fun day for its athletes, coaches, volunteers, family and friends Sunday, July 19. The event begins at noon at the park located below McDonald’s and the post office in Kealakekua.

There will be music, games, food and talk story.

Prior to the event, participants will be assigned a food category and can bring the dish of their choice. To get a food assignment, send an e-mail to KC Strand, SOWH volunteer coordinator, who can be reached at zionvideos@yahoo.com.

Earlier this year, the Editorial Department at West Hawaii Today realized it had an explosive problem — the verbal kind.

In particular, certain co-workers had been dropping the F-bomb every time they got off the phone, had computer problems, or dealt with an unreasonable person or issue. In stressful situations, their vulgar ranting rose.

“Frustration. Joking. We don’t need a reason. We just do it because we want to,” said Kim Eaton, universal desk person and reporter, explaining the swearing. “Perhaps, we were all sailors in another life.”

Editor Reed Flickinger decided to transform the outbursts of foul language into a fundraiser for Special Olympics West Hawaii because “it’s a good cause.”

Now every time a reporter, editor, photographer, page designer, copy editor, visitor or interviewee uses the infamous F-bomb in the newsroom, he or she must pay 25 cents. That money goes into “The F-Bomb Kitty” — a bank sitting on Flickinger’s desk. Carolyn Lucas, reporter and SOWH blog editor, often thanks participants for their expletive and contributing to SOWH. When the kitty is full or deemed “heavy enough,” the money — usually between $10 to $25 — is given to SOWH.

In a June 29 letter addressed to the West Hawaii Today Editorial F-Bombers, SOWH Area Director Dave Ross wrote, “It’s nice to see dirty words make for happy things. Your stress-induced cursing is a great help so we can carry out the mission of Special Olympics Hawaii: to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our program helps athletes to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skill and friendship with fellow athletes, families and the community.”

“Oddly enough we frown on our athletes dropping the F-Bombs on the field. When they do, they get to run laps and do push-ups. But your zingers get us a shiny quarter! Sweet,” Ross’ letter stated. “Your support honors their accomplishments and encourages the efforts of our dedicated volunteers. On behalf of the athletes, families and volunteers who partipate in SOWH events throughout the year, thank you for your continued support. Remember to let it all out when those deadlines come crashing down.”

Special Olympics West Hawaii athletes, coaches, volunteers, families and friends were among the hundreds of volunteers who lined the 26-mile course, helping make the Kona Marathon successful June 21.

During the race, SOWH participants and supporters encouraged each of the 1,125 registered runners, cheering and giving applause. From 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., they manned the aid station on Kuakini Highway in front of West Hawaii Today and the former Chevy dealer in Kailua-Kona.

Please enjoy the following photos, taken by SOWH Volunteer Coordinator KC Strand, at the 2009 Kona Marathon. To view the entire album, click here.

Under the sunny skies, Hula Halau Makanani dancers, under the direction of Kumu Hula Lona Warner, took the stage June 6 at the Kona International Market for their annual summer show.

Approximately 20 wahine and six kane performed, showcasing a variety of Polynesian implements, traditional dress and dance styles. From the Islands of Hawaii, there was hula kahiko (ancient), hula auana (modern), and even a noho (sitting) hula. A lively number from Tahiti opened the show and was followed by the Ekahi and Kane groups performing typical mele of New Zealand using poi balls.

For the final number, all dancers gathered on stage for Halau Makanani’s signature dance – Melveen Leed’s beautiful mele pule (prayer song) medley, Walk Thru Paradise/Kanaka Waiwai.

This usually signals the end of the show, but Warner surprised the audience by announcing there would be a hana hou performance and that it would include all spectators. After a quick tutorial on the basic hand motions, the music started and the crowd danced with delight to an old favorite: “One Paddle, Two Paddle.”

Halau Makanani is not an ordinary, everyday hula halau. It’s quite special, thanks to the courage, vision and the rebellious nature of Warner. As a girl born and raised in Hilo, Warner grew up dancing and performing. Hula tradition was deep in her heart, but she never agreed with the attitudes of exclusivity she found among some. She always felt dance should be open to all who loved hula and were willing to apply the diligence needed to learn.

In the 30 years since she formed her own first halau, she has remained true to that principle. By providing equal opportunities for learning, she has opened the door to people who would otherwise be left watching from the sidelines.

Some of the “unlikely” folks have gained appreciation of Hawaiian culture, increased fitness and discovered the joy of dancing under Warner’s patient, but relentless tutelage. They are nursing home residents, mainlanders who never danced a step in their lives, and Special Olympics athletes.

A long-time Special Olympics volunteer, Warner currently coaches bocce and bowling for the West Hawaii program and serves as its head of delegation. Two years ago, parents of some SOWH athletes asked if she could teach their sons to dance. The boys had long expressed an interest in learning, but had never found anyone qualified and willing to teach them. Without the slightest hesitation, she agreed.

“I had always wanted to add a kane class to my halau and this seemed like the perfect way to begin,” Warner said.

She started the class with four SOWH athletes who have since been joined by three additional dancers who do not have disabilities. The “new guys” vary widely in age and dance experience, but all have been inspired by the original four who gave them the courage to try.

Hula Halau Makanani is a non-competitive halau.

“We do this simply because we love it. In performing, we get to share our aloha with our families, our friends and the community,”said Warner. “Hula is a sacred living art form that thrives because it is continually being shared; passed on from one person to the next. It is the language of aloha and it belongs to all of Hawaii’s people. We should not exclude those who seriously want to learn simply because they might take a little longer to become skilled, or because we think they may never attain certain levels of perfection. I would like to encourage other halaus all over Hawaii to accept special athletes into their dance groups.”

Please enjoy the following photos, taken by SOWH Volunteer Coordinator KC Strand, at the Hula Halau Makanani’s summer show. To view the entire album, click here.