Special Olympics West Hawaii

How did you get involved with Special Olympics?
What got me involved in Special Olympics was I had meet a wonderful little lady that is severely mentally challenged years ago. (See above photo.) This little lady I love with all my heart as if she was my birth daughter. She touched my heart and soul with her smile, her mother and her changed my life and made me in to the caring and giving man I am today. I learned from this little lady I had a gift. That gift is I’m able to read people’s eyes that are severely mentally challenged and know what they are trying to say or what they want because they are not able to talk with their voices. I’m able to bring a lot of happiness to there life’s cause I understand them when so many people do not. In December 2004, I was introduced to Special Olympics in Honolulu by my best friend and her daughter, who is severely mentally challenged, at an event called the Jingle Bell Walk. From that event, I have branched out over the years to reach as many athletes with disabilities and those without that I can so no one is ever left out.

What is MSC?
The Web site MSC, Making Smiles Count, was my way of honoring the one I think of as my daughter. Anytime I see her, she melts my heart with her smile. MSC came about from her initials, but out of respect I would not use her name. So I came up with the name Making Smiles Count. The photos started out as a way to show the happiness I was bringing to so many athletes. As a gift from me to the athletes and their parents, they could go to the Web site, www.myspace.com/mscmary, and print out their photos. But over the years, I noticed the need to educate people of the different levels of athletes. Most volunteers in Special Olympics do not understand the severely mentally challenged at all and they treat the athlete as if they were a new born baby. I show people the right way to treat and help the severely challenged athletes all the time.
My goal with this Web site is the following “Where no one is left out.” I have been going around the country getting involved in different states of Special Olympics. My focus right now is on a program called MATP ( Motor Activity training program). I have noticed a large amount of states dropping this program. This is the only program in Special Olympics for the lowest level of athlete. In the next couple of months, I will be making contact with Special Olympics North America which is based in North Carolina with hopes I can prove to them that this program needs to stay threw out all of Special Olympics. The one I call my daughter is not signed up in Special Olympics anymore because her mother told me there is nothing for her level. This saddens me a great deal that she and many others are being left out.
I have always hoped one day out of the year all of Special Olympics organization throughout the United States would unite with one another as one. This would allow one state doing very well with donations to help another one that is not. Will this day ever come?

Describe your interaction and experience with Special Olympics West Hawaii.
I came about Special Olympics West Hawaii during the kickoff barbecue at the start of February 2010. I was driving by and saw the Special Olympics West Hawaii sign at Kahaluu Beach Park. When I stopped to see what was going on, I was amazed just how happy everyone was and how good of a time everyone was having. The athletes were even hugging each other. I met David Ross, the director of Special Olympics West Hawaii, that day and from there I was welcomed with open arms with my style of training. The athletes in West Hawaii are wonderful to train and help. Many of them are very playful and love to joke around. My style of training is very different than most. The athletes loved how much fun I made their T-ball training.

Please enjoy the following photos taken by Jeremy at T-Ball and the kickoff barbecue. To view the entire album, click here.

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T-BALL& SOFTBALL
- Occurs from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Old Kona Airport ball field, located on Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona.
- First practice is Feb. 16.

SWIMMING
- Occurs from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday at Kona Community Aquatics Center, located on Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona.
- First practice is Feb. 16.

POWERLIFTING
- Occurs from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Mondays and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at The Club, located at 75-5699 Kopiko Street in Kailua- Kona.
- First practice is Feb. 20.

TRACK & FIELD
- To be announced

West Hawaii Today freelance photographer Tad Kapa Humble took the following photo at the annual kickoff barbecue at Kahaluu Beach Park. His images appeared in the Feb. 2, 2010, edition of West Hawaii Today.

See more of his fantastic photos taken that day by visiting the West Hawaii Today’s Web site, www.westhawaiitoday.com, or click here.

Hawaii Preparatory Academy, in partnership with Special Olympics Hawaii, is hosting a Fun Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11.

The event will be held at HPA’s Stanford W. Shutes Track, located at the school’s Upper Campus.

The Fun Day features events for every fitness level — from the serious athlete to beginners. Participants can register for the following events: 50m Dash, 100m Dash, 200m Dash, Softball Throw, Shot Put Throw, 100m Assisted Walk, Bocce Ball, Standing Long Jump, and Running Long Jump.

The Fun Day is open to pre-registered athletes, their families, and supporters. Athletes who would like to participate in the free event can register by contacting Dana Petteys at dpetteys@hpa.edu.

Most people don’t think of the word “retard” as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends. Using “retard” as a term of derision is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.

Spread the Word to End the Word will raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the R-word and encourage people to pledge to stop using it. America will be asked to declare their support for more respectful and inclusive language, specifically that referring to those with intellectual disabilities.

Created by young people with and without intellectual disabilities, Spread the Word to End the Word is one element of Special Olympics’ vision of a world where everyone matters, where everyone is accepted and, most importantly, where everyone is valued. Leading the way in promoting acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics opposes prejudice and discrimination, continuously working to dispel the negative stereotypes associated with this population — the use of the R-word being one such stereotype. In a world that has worked to eliminate pejorative racial and ethnic language such as the “N word,” among others, the R-word is gaining popularity.

On March 31, young people across the country will lead local efforts to raise awareness and collect pledges on www.r-word.org from peers and the community to vow not to use the R-word. Actor and activist John C. McGinley, of the hit show “Scrubs,” is helping with this effort by making national media appearances on behalf of the campaign.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
— Send Special Olympics your plans to Spread the Word at r-word@specialolympics.org.
— Take the R-word pledge to not use the word “retard” as a put-down at www.r-word.org.

Commentary from a Spread the Word supporter:

Hi, I’m John C. McGinley. I’m an ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society, and today I’m teaming up with Special Olympics to bring you a message that’s important to me.

So many times in life you are asked to change … Change your clothes. Change lanes. Change jobs. Change the sheets. Change flights. Change your tune. Change horses midstream. Change your latitudes and your attitudes!

Change, and the ability to adapt, is to the human condition as air is to the lungs. We change, and in the doing, we thrive!

In fact, we just elected a president who promised, above all else, to “change.”

What if, on March 31, you elected to change the way you use the words “retard” and “retarded?”

Hardly seems like the largest of sacrifices. Not when you consider the changes in language that you have, so willingly, already elected to integrate into your vernacular. You no longer use the words nigger, or kike, or faggot, or jap, or kraut, or mick, or wop.

Why would you? Why on earth would you? Those are all words that hurt. Those are all racial and ethnic slurs and epithets that perpetuate negative stigmas. They are painful! And that is not okay. It is wrong to pain people with your language. Especially, when you have already been made aware of your oral transgression’s impact.

Make no mistake about it: WORDS DO HURT! And when you pepper your speak with “retard” and “retarded,” you are spreading hurt. So stop it. Stop saying “retard” and “retarded.” Those words suck! You are better than that and you definitely do not need to be “that guy.”

There is no longer any acceptable occasion to lace your dialogue with the words “retard” and “retarded.” Without fail, those words are the stuff of hurt. They, straight up, are. So, stop it! Stop using the “R-word.”

The 7 million people with intellectual disabilities (around the planet) who are on the receiving end of this hate speak are genetically designed to love unconditionally. These “retards” are NEVER going to return your vitriol. Ever! So what could possibly be the up-side of continuing to use the “R-word” in your daily discourse?

We love you. We do!

And, just in case you missed it and you need an extra hug? We love you!
You do not need to love us in any kind of reciprocal fashion. You don’t. (It’s not that kind of bargain.)

But, how about on March 31, you elect to change? A word? Two stinkin’ syllables?

Official statement issued March 20 from Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver regarding U.S. President Barack Obama’s comment on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno

“President Obama called last night and expressed his regret and he apologized. He said that he did not intend to humiliate Special Olympics athletes or people with intellectual disabilities. He was sincere and heartfelt, and said that he is a fan of our movement and is ready to work with our athletes to make the United States a more accepting and welcoming country for all people with special needs.

“Words hurt and words matter. Words can cause pain and result in stereotypes that are unfair and damaging to people with intellectual disabilities. And using ‘Special Olympics’ in a negative or derogatory context can be a humiliating put-down to people with special needs.

“This is a teachable moment for our country. We are asking young people, parents and leaders from all walks of life to engage in conversation and help dispel negative caricatures about people with intellectual disabilities. We believe that it’s only through open conversation and dialogue about how stereotypes can cause pain that we can begin to work together to create communities of acceptance and inclusion for all.

“Special Olympics is not a program, but a worldwide movement operating 30,000 events a year in more than 180 countries. Every one of them is a chance for people of all ages to get involved, to think differently about attitudes and perceptions they may have about people with intellectual disabilities, and to make a difference.

“And so we challenge people to join our ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’ campaign, a youth-led national awareness effort that will launch on March 31, where we are asking people to pledge their respect for people with special needs. We’re asking people to sign our ‘R-word’ pledge, to join in our Unified Sports programs, to volunteer, and to be fans of our athletes and our movement.

“Additionally, we challenge policy leaders at all levels to commit to improving the support and resources for people with intellectual disabilities in areas such as healthcare, education, housing and recreation.

“Finally, we invite the President to take the lead and consider hiring a Special Olympics athlete to work in the White House. In so doing, he could help end misperceptions about the talents and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities, and demonstrate their dignity and value to the world.”

From Christmas and Chanukah to Kwanzaa and New Year’s, Special Olympics West Hawaii wishes its athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters a very happy, healthy and safe holiday. Celebrate the occassions with magic, merriment and memories.

The sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete and team were exhibited by Special Olympics West Hawaii at the 2008 Holiday Classic on Oahu.

Held Dec. 5-7 at Hickam Air Force Base and the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base, this event included a multi-division three-day basketball tournament and Individual Skills Competition, Singles, Doubles and Unified® team bowling competitions, and traditional and Unified® Doubles Bocce tournaments. The Holiday Classic marks the end of the Fall season.

“According to everyone I have talked to, it was (as always) the intense, non-stop, high energy three-day experience that every State games veteran knows and loves,” said volunteer Nikki Cleintuar. “But seriously, everyone had a great time – especially the athletes!”

On the basketball court, the SOWH Panthers had games against the Special Olympics Honokaa team, as well as three Special Olympics Oahu teams — The Central Terminators, Ohana Hoku and the Rainbows.

“We went 0 for 4, ending up with 5th place ribbons, but our place in the standings is of little consequence,” said Dave Ross, SOWH area director and head basketball coach. “The real story – the important story – was written in the courage, teamwork and sportsmanship of our athletes.”

Several former basketball players did not come out for the team this season, so it was a rebuilding year for the SOWH Panthers. The team consisted of only five athletes and no substitutes. Although very tired, the Panthers never, at any time, gave up.

About halfway through the tournament, one of the Panthers best veteran players, Robbie Sanoria, twisted his ankle.

“Even though he wanted to keep playing, I couldn’t risk further injury and I had to bench him. That left four guys to do the job of five and they played their hearts out to the end,” Ross said. “I am so proud of all my athletes. If there was a medal for spirit and determination they would have brought home the championship!”

Have a story, comment or photo you would like to share about the Holiday Classic 2008? Click on the yellow comment box below this post or send an e-mail to SpecialOlympics.WestHawaii@gmail.com.

The following are wonderful photos taken by volunteer coordinator KC Strand and volunteer Eric Cleintuar during the Holiday Classic. The colorful captions were written by Nikki Cleintuar. Enjoy!

FRIDAY, DEC. 5

In lieu of the usual military aircraft, the teams flew to Oahu on Mokulele Airlines for the first time this year. It was a nice little regional jet with real seats, windows and fresh hot coffee. Smile Andy!

Unified partners Carol and Andy Barfoot get a briefing from Coach Lona Warner (right) before heading off to their first competitions, which were held at Hickam Air Force Base and Kaneohe Marine Corps Base.

It was “hit the ground bowling” for some of the Unified teams scheduled at K-Bay. After traveling and competing all morning, athlete Duke Kaawa, of the Kona Ninja Honu team, looks like he’s ready for his afternoon nap.

Following Friday night’s dinner, served up by Panda Express at a Hickam AFB hanger, athletes were invited to enjoy the exhibits in Olympic Town while waiting to make their entrance into Opening Ceremonies. Here, athlete Ray Donager tries out a police motorcycle. Vvvrrooom!

Athlete Henry Langidrik captures priceless memories on his camcorder.

SOWH is staged and ready for their turn to march into the Opening Ceremonies venue.

Presentation of the colors by the military guard is the first order of business at Opening Ceremonies.

SOWH’s Hula Halau Makanani, under the direction of Kumu Hula and head bowling coach Lona Warner, was invited to perform as part of the entertainment. All four kane dancers are SOWH athletes. The wahine are regular halau members who also serve as SOWH volunteers. From left to right: the dancers are Ronona Della-Cioppa, Duke Kaawa, Adrian Cleintuar, Lona Warner, Doreen Parker, Shane Follosco, Ray Donager, Madeline Follosco and Barbara Bach.

Halau Makanani is the only inclusive hula school in Hawaii, where dancers with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to learn and perform alongside their non-disabled peers. The audience was much larger than they were used to (which was a little intimidating at first) but the appreciative “roar of the crowd” was encouraging and, according to SOWH volunteer Eric Cleintuar, “They were great; I’ve never seen them dance better!”

Athlete Michael Makanui (center) his mom, Sharon Yong (left), his brother and unified partner, Josh Yong (right), and dad Bob (wearing white hat and on the phone) enjoy the music of a live band at opening ceremonies.

SATURDAY, DEC. 6

Each day at the State Games starts with a hearty breakfast at the “chow hall” (generously provided compliments of the U.S. Armed Services) before catching a bus to the first round of competition.

Singles bowling was held on Saturday. Preparing to hit the lanes (from left to right) are unified partner Chipper Chapple, athlete Shannon Salas, athlete Cory Enriquez, athelete Amy Aguiar, athelete Preston Buckley and unified partner Barbara Bach.

Kimmie Grisham flashes a beautiful, happy smile. She’s been training for months to compete at the Holiday Classic. It’s finally here and life is good.

Unified partner Andy Barfoot (left) and athlete Alvin Carvalho their singles games finished, stay on to cheer for their fellow West Hawaii teammates.

Athlete Mary Connor does a little victory dance from the No. 1 position on the awards stand after taking the gold medal in her bowling division.

Members of the Kona Sharks and Kona Sunset teams proudly display their bowling medals. From left to right are unified partner Stephanie Kaneshiro, athlete Preston Buckley, unified partner Chipper Chapple, athlete Cory Enriquez, athlete Shannon Salas, athlete Amy Aguiar, unified partner Tony Enriquez and unified partner Barbara Bach.

The Kona Wongs and Kona Strikers Unified bowling teams also brought home some hardware. Down in front is athlete Adrian Cleintuar. In back, from left to right, are unified partners Eva and Jacob Wong, athletes Isaiah and Quentin Wong, unified partners Kelly Yonemura and Eric Cleintuar, and athlete Ray Donager.

Athletes Mary Conner and Henry Langidrik compare their winning bowling muscles.

SUNDAY, DEC. 7

Even with decades of  experiences under their belts, athletes Alvin Carvalho (left) and Norman Matsubara still find each year as thrilling an adventure as their first.
Athlete Lois Phillip (left) and volunteer Carol Barfoot react to the exciting final minutes of the last basketball game.

While waiting for their pizza lunch in the gym after the last basketball game, volunteer Krystal Welch checks her camera, assistant coach Matt Martin goes over some stats and basketball athlete Jason Nagatori (right) catches a little time to reflect on what proved to be, a very challenging tournament for the Panthers.

It’s time for Closing Ceremonies, for joining hands with the group and singing Hawaii Aloha before heading back to the airport. Athlete Byron Pabre is a little sad to see the games end, but he smiles anyway, remembering the three wonderful days he just spent doing what he loves: playing basketball with his friends.

Unified partner and awesome SOWH Web site photographer Eric Cleintuar relaxes before his flight and talks about his experience at the Holiday Classic.

From left to right: athlete Robbie Sanoria, athlete Kimmie Grisham and chaperone Debbie Collector talk story in the airport.

Chaperone Madeline Follosco and athlete Shane Follosco hang out before their flight back to the Big Island. Shane is showcasing his “Westside Pride” by wearing his medals from the Holiday Classic.

Chaperone Toshie Takahashi-Ruiz and athlete Marinna Takahashi-Ruiz relax before their flight back home to the Big Island.

The fabulous SOWH athletes, coaches, unified partners, chaperones and volunteers that participated in the 2008 Holiday Classic. Congrats for a job well done.