This is a list of the 2008-2009 fundraising and volunteer opportunities for Special Olympics West Hawaii. To participate in any of these events, contact Area Director Dave Ross at 808-345-1344 or send an e-mail to sowhdave@yahoo.com.
January
18 — Beach barbecue: SOWH hosts a 2 p.m. barbecue at Kahaluu Beach Park, where interested athletes and volunteers can sign up for upcoming sports or learn more about the organization. Special awards will be given to participants and yearbooks distributed. A local band will provide the entertainment.
February
16 — Guns and Hoses Law Enforcement & Fire Regatta: This race benefits SOWH. Volunteers are needed for registration, timekeepers, set up, food service, decorating and clean up. Shifts are from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kailua Pier or from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Old Kona Airport pavilion.
April
1 — Lavaman Triathlon: Volunteers are needed at the SOWH aid station and pass out drinks to triathletes. Shift is from 8 a.m. to noon at Waikoloa Beach Resort. To learn more the triathlon, visit www.lavamantriathlon.com.
4 — Fueling Dreams: This fundraiser takes place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tesoro gas station by Honokohau Small Boat Harbor. Volunteers are needed to serve four-hour-long shifts with local police officers, who will pump gas and wash windows for tips. To learn more about the fundraiser, visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org.
20 — First Hawaiian Back Law Enforcement Torch Run: Event is from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at First Hawaiian Bank in the Lanihau Center in Kailua-Kona. This run/walk begins at the bank, goes down to Kailua Pier and continues south to Hale Halewai. Entry fee is $20. To learn more about the event, visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org.
May
17 — The Visitor Industry Charity Walk: Event starts at 7 a.m. at Anaehoomalu Bay in Waikoloa. This 4-mile walk raises money for local charities, including SOWH. There’s a $35 entry fee. To learn more about this fundraiser, visit www.charitywalkhawaii.org.
June
2 — Ironman 70.3 Hawaii Triathlon: Volunteers are needed for three-hour-long shifts at the SOWH aid station, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mauna Lani Resort. They will pass out drinks to triathletes. To learn more about the triathlon, visit www.ironman703hawaii.com.
29 — UCC Coffee Kona Marathon: Volunteers are needed at the SOWH aid station, where they will pass out drinks to athletes from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Island Chevrolet in Kailua-Kona. Various work shifts are available. To learn more about the marathon, visit www.konamaraton.com.
July
26 — Big Island Games Day: SOWH athletes and their unified partners compete against other island teams in bocce and soccer for a spot at the Aukake State Games, which will be held on Aug. 16 and 17 on Oahu. The Big Island Games Day tournaments take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Kona Airport soccer fields. Volunteers are need for the award presentation, food table staff, runners, referees, etc.
September
14 — Tree Planting: SOWH athletes, coaches, volunteers, friends and families help reforest a native dryland forest, by planting trees at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. This year-round program of sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities regularly tries to gives back to the community. This community service project takes place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
18, 19 & 20 — Cop On Top: Local police officers sit atop of a scaffold in front of Safeway in Kailua-Kona, encouraging and calling out to nearby shoppers to donate money toward SOWH. The public can make donations from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Volunteers are needed to serve four-hour shifts, which they will ask for donations, express gratitude, man the information table and pass out balloons. To learn more about the fundraiser, visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org.
October
11 — Ford Ironman World Championship: About 70 volunteers are needed to work five-hour shifts at the SOWH aid station, where they will pass out drinks to athletes and pick up rubbish. To learn more about the World Championship, visit www.ironman.com.
December
5, 6 & 7 — Holiday Classic: Special Olympics participants statewide compete in a basketball tournament and individual skills competition; singles, doubles and unified team bowling competitions; and traditional and unified doubles bocce tournaments. The Holiday Classic held at Hick Air Base and Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base marks the end of the Fall season.
22 — Fun Night: SOWH hosts a family-friendly event filled with movies, food and games at the Kona International Marketplace.
