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.
When Special Olympics teams travel to competitions, area colors are worn. This helps keep track of members of various groups in busy airports and around the various venues. Such places are usually filled with hundreds of athletes, coaches and chaperones from throughout the state.
Area colors are also proudly worn during the impressive “Parade of Athletes” as the delegations march into Opening Ceremonies, a long, time-honored tradition.
Over the past 12 years, Special Olympics West Hawaii has always donned the color yellow. East Hawaii wears red, Central Oahu wears blue, Molokai wears green and so on.
The designs on the SOWH shirts have changed through the year. Thanks to the creativity of SOWH Area Director Dave Ross and Krystal Welch, the organization’s shirt for 2008 has a new design and slogan. On the back of the shirt, there is a big “shaka” surrounded by a lei. Above are the words “Westside Pride” in bold capitals. SOWH athlete Adrian Cleintuar graciously modeled the new shirt in this post’s photo.
“I believe that if we look good as a team, we will act well as a team. We are not just a basketball team and several bowling teams. When we travel we represent West Hawaii as a whole,” Ross said. “We are proud of our community and how supportive they are of us. ‘Westside pride’ just came off the top of my head and it’s what we are and believe in.”
SOWH has been in flux for a couple of years because athletes moved away, veteran management team members decide to leave their positions and a string of changes in area directors. SOWH is still in the process of building its numbers of athletes, coaches and volunteers, as well as gaining experience and solidifying. It’s a slow process, but a good one, said Nikki Cleintuar, long-time volunteer.
“David’s is a gifted leader and the program continues to attract volunteers who bring a wealth of skills, fresh ideas and a desire to commit for the long run,” she said. “I just think the shirt represents the spirit, enthusiasm, aloha and positive attitude of this wonderful group to a ‘T’ (Oof! was that an intentional pun?). WESTSIDE PRIDE! Is that a cool slogan, or what?”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Have a safe, healthy and memorable holiday.
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.
