Special Olympics West Hawaii is hosting a barbecue at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Kahaluu Beach Park.

All athletes, coaches, unified partners, volunteers, supporters, family and friends are invited.

This is an excellent opportunity for interested athletes and volunteers to learn about this year-round program, which offers sports training and competitions for people with intellectual disabilities.

At the event, participants can sign up for the various sports being offered in 2009. Awards will also be given to outstanding athletes, coaches and families.

Yearbooks highlighting special moments will be distributed. A band will perform some groovy tunes.

Those interested in bringing salads, pupu or desserts should contact Lona Warner, head of delegation, at 808-327-0491, 808-989-2080, or biglona@hotmail.com.

Two huge television screens will be set up and family-friendly movies will be shown throughout the night.

Possible flicks include:

• “March of the Penguins,” a French nature documentary which won the 2006 Academy Award for “Best Documentary Feature.” It depict Emperor penguins’ yearly journey through the Antarctic.

• “Lilo & Stitch,” a Disney favorite about a Hawaiian girl who adopts an unusual pet that is actually wanted by the extra-terrestrial law.

• “Ice Princess,” a film about girl and her journey to becoming a champion figure skater.

• “Enchanted,” a classic Disney fairytale collides with modern-day New York City in this story about a storybook princess who is sent to our world by an evil queen.

• “Whale Rider,” a contemporary story of love, rejection, sadness and triumph. In this film, a Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuse to recognize.

• “La Bamba,” a biographical story about singer Ritchie Valens whose life was cut short by a plane crash.

• “She’s the Man,” a comedy/romance film that deals with high school politics and breaking the rule to fufill one’s dreams.

• “Westside Story,” a musical about two teens from rival New York City gangs that fall in love.

Besides watching films, attendees can play a variety of games, such as “Shut the Box,” “Bingo,” “Indonesian Shuffle Board,” and “Portuguese Horse Shoes.”

Pizzas, salads, water and soft drinks will be provided.

This free event is open to SOWH athletes, coaches and volunteers, as well as their family and friends.

For more information, contact Lona Warner, SOWH head of delegation, at 808-327-0491, 808-989-2080 or biglona@hotmail.com.

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.

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.

]]> http://www.sowh.org/2008/12/14/reflections-on-the-2008-holiday-classic/feed/ http://www.sowh.org/2008/12/03/taking-it-to-the-hoop/ http://www.sowh.org/2008/12/03/taking-it-to-the-hoop/#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:59:52 +0000 carolyn http://www.sowh.org/?p=347 When it’s played the way it’s supposed to be played, basketball happens in the air; flying, floating, elevated above the floor, levitating the way people of this earth imagine themselves in their dreams.

— John Edgar Wideman

Volunteer Nikki Cleintuar wrote the following captions and took the awesome images of Special Olympics West Hawaii athletes, coaches and volunteers at Tuesday’s basketball practice. Mahalo for capturing and sharing the moments below.
May this great service bring others joy.

Basketball head coach and SOWH Area director David Ross is ready to pump up his players in their last week of practice before the big Holiday Classic weekend on Oahu.

Safe and smart. That’s SOWH’s motto. Each basketball practice session begins with a full contingent of warm-ups, laps and stretches.

New SOWH athlete Frankie Sheldon (left) is deciding if basketball could be his sport of choice. He came to check out the action with his personal assistant and friend Eric.

SOWH athlete Shannon Salas (center) waits from his rebound from SOWH athlete Jason Nagatori’s shot, with back up from basketball assistant coach Matt Martin (right).

SOWH athlete Robert Sanoria executes a jump shot during drills.

Basketball head coach gets ready to block SOWH athlete Wendy Carey’s pass.

SOWH athlete Marinna Takahashi-Ruiz shoots for two while basketball head coach Dave Ross tries fro the rebound.

From left to right: SOWH athletes Duke Kaawa, Shannon Salas and Marianna Takahashi-Ruiz think basketball practic is more than just a good workout. For the trio, it also means having fun, as well as hanging out and sharing laughs with friends.

Meet the West Hawaii Panthers. Kneeling, from left to right, are Wendy Carey, head coach Dave Ross, Dara Sabri, Jason Nagatori and Shane Follosco. In the center is Duke Kaawa. Standing in back, from left to right, are Robbie Sanoria, Byron Pabre, assistant coach Matt Martin, Shannon Salas, Patrick Dungate and Marinna Takahashi-Ruiz.

]]> http://www.sowh.org/2008/12/03/taking-it-to-the-hoop/feed/ http://www.sowh.org/2008/12/03/athletes-coaches-volunteers-wear-sowh-pride/ http://www.sowh.org/2008/12/03/athletes-coaches-volunteers-wear-sowh-pride/#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:03:04 +0000 carolyn http://www.sowh.org/?p=338

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.

Participating athletes, unified partners, coaches and chaperones must proudly wear their SOWH yellow T-shirts, bring a brown bag breakfast and be at the Kona International Airport no later than 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5. They will be departing on Mokuele Airlines Flight #891 at 9:36 a.m. and arriving in Honolulu at 10:16 a.m. However, unified partner Ronona Della-Cioppa and athlete Apple Isidro are on Hawaiian Airlines Flight #217, leaving at 7:03 a.m.

Please remember that due to heightened security, all liquids must be under 3.4 ounces and placed in a separate Ziplock bag for screening. Double check the placement of liquids, which will save big hassles at the airport.

Besides breakfast on Dec. 5, all other meals and housing are included. Athletes may bring spending money if they desire. Those traveling with medicine must fill our a medication release form.

SOWH will be staying at Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base. Towels and soap will not be provided. Maps are available of Hickam Air Force Base, Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base, and Naval Station Pearl Harbor on the Special Olympics Hawaii Web site.

Packing list includes: a good attitude, three pairs of shorts, three shirts, four pairs of socks, athletic shoes, four pairs of underwear, sleep clothes, swim trunks or bathing suit, dance clothes, toiletries, shower towel, feminine hygiene products (if necessary), jacket, hat, sunscreen, water bottle and medication.

“It will be a great weekend of fun and competition,” said Dave Ross, SOWH area director.

The Holiday Classic schedule is as follows:

Friday, Dec. 5
12 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Team Basketball (All Divisions) - Hickam Air Force Base Main Gym, Pearl Harbor Sub-Base Gym & Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Semper Fit Center.
12 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Unified Bowling - Kaneohe Bay Lanes, Doubles Bowling -Hickam Lanes and Pearl Harbor Lanes
7:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies - Hanger # 35 - Hickam Air Force Base

Saturday, Dec. 6
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Competition, Team Basketball - (All Divisions) - Hickam Air Force Base Main Gym, Pearl Harbor Sub-Base Gym & Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Gym
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Competition, Bocce - Football Field behind Hickam Bowling Center
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Competition, Singles Bowling - Hickam Lanes & K-Bay Lanes
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Competition, Bocce Doubles, Football Field behind Hickam Bowling Center
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Olympic Town - Beside Hickam Bowling Center & K-Bay Bowling Center
7 - 10 p.m.: Victory Dance - Kaneohe Bay Enlisted Club

Sunday, Dec. 7
8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.: Competition, Individual Skills Basketball - Pearl Harbor Sub-Base Gym
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Competition, Team Basketball - (All Divisions) - Hickam Air Force Base Main Gym, Pearl Harbor Sub-Base Gym & Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Gym
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Competition, Bocce Unified Doubles- Football Field Behind Hickam Bowling Center
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Competition, Unified® Bowling - Hickam Lanes and Kaneohe Bay Lanes
12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.: Closing Ceremonies - Hickam Main Gym & K-Bay Base Gym

For more information about the Holiday Classic, contact Lona Warner, SOWH head of delegation, at 808-327-0491, 808-989-2080 or biglona@hotmail.com.

SOWH produces a year-round program of sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants in these leagues learn teamwork and skills pertaining to the games. Everyone is welcomed, including athletes, unified partners, volunteers and coaches.

For more information about the upcoming meeting, contact KC Strand, SOWH volunteer coordinator, via e-mail at zionvideos@yahoo.com.