Kalani Gonsalves of Hilo earned a silver medal Tuesday in the 400-meter run during the Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey.
Kalani Gonsalves of Hilo earned a silver medal Tuesday in the 400-meter run during the Special Olympics USA Games in New Jersey.
The 24-year-old was part of a big day for Hui O Hawaii. In addition to his silver, team members won five gold medals in swimming, a gold in track and field and four silver medals for men’s and women’s bocce.
Gonsalves has competed with Special Olympics Hawaii for 12 years. He has applied the lessons he has learned on the field to hold employment with the Arc of Hilo and participate with Halau O Kekuhi hula halau.
Daylan Toribio is the only other Big Island Special Olympics athlete taking part in the national competition. The Kurtistown resident, who is in his sixth year with Special Olympics, competed in the 100-meter run and shot put Tuesday.
The USA National Games will continue through Sunday. More than 3,500 athletes from across the United States have come together for the games. They are competing in 16 sports before tens of thousands of spectators and volunteers. The games are being held at 10 different locations, including Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Park and several private schools in the area.
Hui O Hawaii athletes were selected from 3,200 statewide.