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: Adrian Cleintuar
Age: 25
Hometown: Grand Junction, Colorado
Nicknames: “A”, “Age”, Gorilla and Rhino
What sports and activities do you participate in with Special Olympics West Hawaii?
In 2009, I trained and competed in powerlifting. Since I’ve been with the program, I have participated in track & field, basketball, bowling, soccer, bocce, powerlifting, T-ball and softball.
What activity do you like most and why?
You can’t just sit around at home if you want to have a life. In Special Olympics you get sports and friends – which is great. I also like working at the fundraisers like Cop On Top.
What have you learned through Special Olympics West Hawaii or gained from being part of a team?
I have learned to listen to my coaches and not mess around. A team works together. You have to be a good friend and a good sport no matter if you win or lose.
Why did you join Special Olympics West Hawaii?
I came from a small Colorado town where I was one of only two students with disabilities. Special Olympics was not available. I was in a regular classroom at school. I was in a regular boy scout troop. I learned martial arts together with regular kids. This was OK when I was in elementary school, but by age 13, the gap between my abilities and those of my non-disabled friends had become a chasm. It was increasingly obvious to me that I could no longer keep pace. I gave up on sports altogether and spent more and more time alone. In the middle of sixth grade, we moved to Kona. The first year was a tough transition period, but by seventh grade, I was beginning to reach out socially a little more. One day, the mom of a SPED classmate suggested my mom (long-time SOWH volunteer Nikki Cleintuar) bring me to an SOWH basketball practice. Remembering my past failures and humiliation, I did not want to go, but finally, I said I would go if I could be not a player, but the coach. “Sure – whatever!” my mom said with a wink. So we went. But I was still not convinced and I dawdled for a long time in the locker room changing into my basketball clothes, afraid to come out and face the music. Luckily, another athlete’s personal assistant volunteered to go and help me get ready. This man knew exactly what to say and do. I came out and ran my laps but when it was time to dribble the ball up and down the court, I did not know how. Much to my surprise, it didn’t matter!
My mom and I learned that in Special Olympics, there are many levels of ability and that athletes are not expected to perform at any level other than their very own. Moreover, we were thrilled to find out that the coaches were kind, patient and specifically trained to teach people with all types of disabilities. Because there was a broad range of skill levels among the other athletes, I – for the first time in my life – did not feel “different.” I started to relax and just have fun. I wasn’t even aware that I was learning skills and getting stronger until it was time to compete. It was there – for the very first time ever – that I experienced all the emotions of being in the game instead of merely watching from the bleachers: the exhilaration of striving to win, the pride in being part of a team, the sense of belonging and the sheer joy of being honored at the awards ceremony. On that day, my mom and I knew we would be supporting this organization for a very long time!
How long have you been with Special Olympics West Hawaii? I have been an SOWH athlete since 1998. That’s 11 years.
What is the best part about participating with Special Olympics?
There are so many “best parts” it’s hard to pick just one. For me, feeling secure and comfortable within the group is very important. I greatly enjoy interaction with the coaches and volunteers who help in the organization. They are some of my favorite people in the world. The excitement of traveling to state games would be at the top of my list also. I’ve discovered how good I feel after a challenging workout. I love being up on the awards stand before a cheering crowd. In recent years, I have taken a great deal of pride in helping out with fundraisers, especially Cop On Top because it’s held at the Safeway store in Kailua-Kona where I work.
Do you have any hobbies or activities that you like to do during your free time?
My dream has been to start my own low power FM radio station. I have a studio at home where I practices being a DJ “doing my show” every morning and sign-off every night. I have an extensive and growing collection of CDs. I love all types of music: rock, country, rap, reggae, Hawaiian, oldies – you name it! I like to lip-sync to the music and record my performances on my video camera. I’ve been learning kenpo karate and the Indonesian art of Silat for about four years. I earned my orange belt last year and am now working toward my blue belt.
Who is your favorite athlete or role model and why?
That’s a hard one. There’s so many, especially here in Special Olympics. If I had to pick one today, I would have to pick Michael Tom Makanui. He’s very good at bocce, is patient and always tries his best. His effort is what impresses me the most.
Share an accomplishment — something you’re proud of.
I did very well at Summer Games. I got three gold medals and one was for my first place win in the 198-pound weight class. I lifted more than 600 pounds. It was amazing. Everyone cheered.
What goal do you hope to accomplish in 2009?
I just want to learn something new in each sport that I do.
