Special Olympics West Hawaii

Special Olympics West Hawaii athletes and volunteers donned their official shirts and worked Aug. 16 alongside Denny’s Restaurant employees as waiters and greeters to raise funds and awareness for SOWH.

The Project Compassion event was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kona and Denny’s. Corporate sponsors included Great American Self Storage and Sign-a-Rama.

From 4 to 9 p.m., Denny’s donated 100 percent of the tips received, as well as 20 percent of all food and drink sales, raising nearly $1,500 for SOWH. All of these funds will stay in West Hawaii to help pay for uniforms, equipment, transportation, competition, coach training and leadership opportunities for SOWH athletes.

Volunteers had a great time taking orders, serving, greeting customers and chatting with folks about SOWH. All the extra “apprentices” in the service areas turned Denny’s normally smooth and efficient operation into a crazy party scene, but “real” Denny’s employees were extremely gracious and accommodating. Several employees said, “We do this once a month – it’s no problem we’re happy to help!”

SOWH sends a very big mahalo to all the wonderful Denny’s people. It also wanted to thank The Rotary Club of Kona for naming SOWH the Project Compassion recipient for the month of August. Another mahalo goes to Rotarian, SOWH volunteer and head swim coach Holly DeGeal,who got SOWH a spot on the Rotary Club’s meeting agenda this month, where SOWH Area Director Dave Ross, along with athletes Casey Haydon and Adrian Cleintuar, gave a presentation to the Rotary membership. Recognition also goes to Great American Self Storage and Sign-a-Rama for their ongoing support and volunteers.

As always, SOWH appreciates the people at the heart of this program whose year-round efforts and enthusiasm make it work: Ross and his team of SOWH athletes, volunteers, coaches and families.

Please enjoy the following photos, taken by SOWH Volunteer Coordinator KC Strand, during the Project Compassion event. To view the entire album, click here.

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 thanks St. Michael’s Council 13227 of the Knights of Columbus for its generous donation of $100.

“Both this council and the worldwide Knights of Columbus are strong supporters of Special Olympics,” said Steve Lopez, SOWH soccer and softball coach. “They donate money and time to Special Olympics as one of the preferred organizations to support.”

By making gifts like this one to SOWH, St. Michael’s Council 13227 of the Knights of Columbus is part of a movement that has transformed nearly 3 million lives around the world. Such donations make it possible for SOWH to bring hope, joy and opportunity to people who are unfortunately sometimes overlooked by society and vastly underestimated by their peers.

Donations allow SOWH to train skilled and compassionate coaches, rent practice and event space, and buy equipment for athletes. Every dollar given helps SOWH bring a dream to life.

The well prepared West Hawaii Sharks swim team is looking forward to a great start of the Summer Games, following the successful Special Olympics Weinberg Neighbor Island Regional Swim Meet on Maui April 14, said Coach Holly DeGeal.

The Summer Games are the culminating statewide events for the Spring Season. More than 1,000 talented athletes and unified partners, guided by their coaches, compete at this Olympic-style competition on Oahu. Roughly 2,500 volunteers will donated their time during this three-day contest in late May.

On behalf of the West Hawaii Sharks swim team, parents, chaperones and coaches, DeGeal recently thanked participants for their overwhelming support.

“The Special Olympics Weinberg Neighbor Island Regional Swim Meet would not have been possible without your kokua,” she said.

Have something to say about this swim meet? Want to share a story, photo, inspirational thought, or accomplishment? Talk story with Carolyn Lucas, SOWH blog editor. E-mail her at specialolympics.westhawaii@gmail.com.

Special Olympics West Hawaii thanks the many people — individuals, law enforcement officers, businesses, organizations, sponsors and local media — who made our annual Fueling Dreams fundraiser at the Queen Kaahumanu Tesoro station a huge success.

Because of your extraordinary efforts, generousity and pure aloha, $4,121.73 was raised in two days. All of the raised money will stay in West Hawaii. It will be used to help our athletes attend competitions on Maui and Oahu, as well as pay for sports equipment and uniforms.

Monetary gains such as this also help Special Olympics West Hawaii fulfill its purpose of providing year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By participating in such sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives.

We would like to give a special kudos to the Hawaii Police Department, U.S. Customs, Tesoro Hawaii, Knights of Columbus, and West Hawaii Today. You rock!

Also, thanks to Hawaii247.org and KonaWeb.com for announcing and sharing the event with the online community.

West Hawaii Today reporter Erin Miller wrote a fantastic article about the Fueling Dreams fundraiser, which was published April 3 and can be viewed on the newspaper’s Web site. Here’s an excerpt:

The smiles on athletes’ faces as they play their hearts out and the high-fives afterward, no matter the final score — those rewards are the driving force that keep volunteers like Walter Ah Mow at events like the Fueling Dreams fundraiser for Special Olympics that ends Friday afternoon.

“To see their faces, no words can explain it,” Ah Mow said.

Ah Mow, a detective, was one of several police officers and other volunteers who spent about six hours on Thursday turning the self-serve Queen Kaahumanu Tesoro station into a full-service experience. The change was done at no charge, but other Special Olympics volunteers, athletes and their families were standing by to talk more about the program and ask for donations.

Congratulations to all for a job well done. Mahalo for fueling dreams.

Please enjoy the following photos, taken by SOWH volunteer coordinator KC Strand, at this year’s event. To see the entire album, click here.

“How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.”
— George Elliston

Special Olympics West Hawaii would like to thank all the local businesses, groups and individuals for their generousity in 2008. The commitment from our supporters help our year-round program of sports training and competitions for people with intellectual disabilities. The time, effort and donations they gave are sincerely appreciated.

Each year, SOWH continues to advance its mission through our programs and opportunities. Our participants develop improved physical fitness and motor skills. They gain a greater self-confidence and positive self-image. Boundless courage, enthusiaum, friendship, new abilities and “voice” are gain through our activities. We have seen many lives changed for the better.

This year, SOWH has enjoyed great success and support from the following: Hawaii County Police Department, Pacific Rim Divers, Mona Grams, Safeway, Tesoro, In to Spirit, West Hawaii Today, CocaCola Bottling of Hawaii, Knights of Columbus, KWXX Radio, Hawaii Fire Department, Denny’s Restaurant and Kona International Marketplace.

Mahalo. Garcias. Grazie. Kiitos. Tack Fyrir. Obrigado.

Volunteers Steve Strand, KC Strand, Krystal Welch and Carolyn Enriquez took the following fantastic images of Special Olympics West Hawaii athletes and their unfied partners, competing at recent Big Island bowling tournaments. Volunteer Nikki Cleintuar wrote the captions.

Mahalo for capturing and sharing the moments below.
May this great service bring others joy.

SOWH bowlers were in high spirits as they traveled to Hilo to compete against East Hawaii teams in the Singles Tournament Oct. 18. It was the first of two important area competitions held the same weekend as both contests were qualifiers for Annual Holiday Classic State Games to be held on Dec. 5 – 7 on Oahu.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, Carol Barfoot chose her ball while Amy Aguiar and Corey Enriquez warmed up for the start of the Area Unified Tournament held at Kona Bowl.

SOWH Head Soccer Coach, Andy Barfoot, has traded his cleats in the off season for a pair of bowling shoes to serve as a unified bowling partner along with his wife, Carol. Andy and Carol helped propel the Kona Ninja Honu team to a first place win in Division 3 at the Unified Tournament.

SOWH athlete Greg Routery keeps an eye on his roll as competition begins.

SOWH West Hawaii Area Director Dave Ross and SOWH Bowling Coach and Head of Delegation Lona Warner fire up the teams with a rousing pep talk at the opening ceremonies preceding the unified competition.

Division 4 winners were the Kona Alii Team with a score of 1426. The Kona Alii team is flanked by lane volunteers Jeannie Kutsunai (left) and Aura Coffman. Bowlers (left to right) are Josiah Kaipo, Ronona Della-Cioppa, Josh Yong and Michael Tom Makanui.

The Kona Strikers were first place winners in Division 1, with a combined three game total score of 1772. The Strikers (team on the left) are: SOWH unified partner Eric Cleintuar, athlete Adrian Cleintuar, athlete Ray Donager and unified partner Kelly Yonemura. Standing center is lane volunteer Charley Somsanguansit. Taking second place in the division with a 1771 score were Team Wong, consisting of Isaiah Wong, Eva Wong, Quentin Wong and Jacob Wong.

The Kona Sharks grabbed hold of first place in Division 2 with a total score of 1437. From left to right is unified partner Tony Enriquez and Cory Enriquez. Sharks not pictured include Preston Buckley and unified partner Stephanie Kaneshiro. Taking second place in the division were the Kona Sunset with a score of 1422. The team consisted of SOWH athlete Shannon Salas (next to lane volunteer Megan Delaries), athlete Amy Aguiar and unified partner Barbara Bach. Kona Sunset teammate and unified partner Chipper Chappel was not pictured.

Division 3 bowlers lined up to receive their awards. On the left are members of the Ninja Honu team who captured first place with a score of 910. The Ninja Honu team consisted of unified partners Carol and Andy Barfoot, as well as athletes Shane Follosco and Duke Kaawa. On the right is the Pinbuster, the winning second place team in the division that scored 889. The Pinbusters are athlete Mary Conner, unified partner Doreen Parker, athlete Norman Matsubara and unified partner KC Strand. Kneeling in front of the group is lane volunteer Jonathan Kutsunai.

Participating in the Area Unified Tournament held at Kona Bowl were (back row, left to right) coaching assistant Steve Strand, coaching assistant Les Lund and athlete Alvin Carvelho; (middle row) head coach Lona Warner, athlete Greg Routery, athlete Lindsey Miedema, athlete Apple Isidro, athlete Henry Langidrik and athlete Murray Williams; and (kneeling in front) Marinna Takahashi-Ruiz and Lois Phillip. Not pictured were Kimmie Grisham and Debbie Collector.

The wonderful Kealakehe High School girls and boys bowling teams, the Sailor Scout 4-H Club and the Tsunami 4-H Club regularly volunteer for Special Olympics West Hawaii. The organization is honored and extremely grateful for their commitment to service. SOWH volunteers, athletes and coaches welcome these volunteers’ smiles, friendship and the great enthusiasm they bring to events. Pictured here are SOWH Area Director Dave Ross (standing, left) and the volunteers who helped out at the Area Unified Tournament held at Kona Bowl. Volunteers included (from left to right) Carolyn Enriquez, Aura Coffman, Jeannie Kutsunai, Amanda Abe, Jonathan Kutsunai, Charley Somsanguansit and Megan Delaries; and (kneeling in front) are Nikki Cleintuar and Mary Donager.

Each of the eight bowlers who racked up the highest single game scores of the day receive Ironman 30th anniversary posters. Pictured are (back row, left to right) Isaiah Wong who scored 171, Eva Wong who scored 163, Eric Cleintuar who scored 187, Barbara Bach who scored 222 and Jacob Wong who scored 224; (kneeling, front) Tony Enriquez who scored 153, Josh Yong who scored 168, and Kelly Yonemura who scored 226.

Pictured from left to right are Lona Warner, Lindsey Miedema and KC Strand. Several SOWH athletes, volunteers and coach reported it was a very special weekend of friends, competition and fun. A special mahalo goes to Kona Bowl for hosting an event, Sharon Yong for Halloween treats and all those who worked hard on the planning, organization and details that made the tournament successful.

Cop on Top was highly successful, thanks to the police officers, Special Olympics West Hawaii athletes, volunteers, sponsors and the public. The fundraiser raised reportedly more than $12,000. Hooray!

Here is a mahalo note from SOWH Area Director Dave Ross:

Nothin’ but love to everyone. I am so stoked at how Cop on Top went. It was an amazing success and everyone who had a hand in this should feel great. We raised great cash, met new volunteers and athletes, had great community presence and had a truckload of fun. Hooray to Walter, Sam, Sean, Rollin (gimpy shoulder and all) and all the other officers who made this event a success.

Mahalo to: KC for staffing this thing; the Dungates for kicking butt Saturday on dawn patrol; the Cleintaurs for kicking us off full force Tuesday morning; the Knights of Columbus and the Extor clan for working the pau hana parties; Lona for pulling mass double shifts; Doreen for jazzing up the joint with awesome graphics; Barbara Bach for the endless smiles and energy; Shane’s “bow technique” with a proud Madelyn by his side; Ray for coming straight from work with Mary; Kelly for dancing up a storm; the West Hawaii Today squad for the great press; and Ronona for jamming straight from the water to the buckets.

I couldn’t ask to work with a better group of people. We are all different, but unify so well for our common cause — to make the lives of our athletes and their families better through sports and community involvement.

Mahalo for all that participated. I love you all and cherish your efforts. Be well. Let’s have a great fall.

Here’s another thank you note and photos from longtime SOWH volunteer Nikki Cleintuar:

Dave is so right about the unity, common cause and, most of all, the athletes. It’s a labor of love for all of us. That said, without Dave’s leadership, his unbridled optimism, his determination, his inability to say “can’t” and his willingness to do whatever it takes, it never would have happened. So a round of applause goes to our intrepid area director. YAY!!!

Another round of applause goes to our helpers outside the organization. This includes Sgt. Walter AhMow; Sgt. Rollin Rabara; Sgt. Sean Smith; Lt. Sam Kawamoto; the community policing officers and those who did Keiki ID; John Perillo, manager of Safeway, and the Safeway employees; Birdie Fawzi & Coca Cola Bottling of Hawaii; HPM; Denny’s Restaurant; Carolyn Lucas; Kat and KWXX Radio; West Hawaii Today; Chris with the public announcement system; Dave Huerta; Knights of Columbus; and all the participating businesses and individuals that donated.

Hulali is one of the many Safeway employees and management personnel who worked extra duty with grace and enthusiam to support Cop On Top.

SOWH Area Director Dave Ross is tired, but happy after a successful fundraiser.

SOWH volunteer Doreen Parker created a photo display of our athletes competing at the recent Aukake Classic, a soccer and boccee tournament on Oahu, for Cop On Top. Donors were able to get a visual idea of how the funds raised are spent.

Volunteer Eric Cleintuar (SOWH athlete Adrian Cleintuar’s dad) and Ronona Della Cioppa (SOWH coach Lona Warner’s daughter) secure the beautiful balloon arch created by Safeway employee Hulali in the store’s floral department.

From the left: Volunteer Eric Cleintuar and SOWH athletes Jason Nagatori and Ray Donager helped pack up after Cop on Top ended Saturday.