For the athletes, coaches and families, the Special Olympics Summer Games this past Memorial Day Weekend was an event to remember.
It was extra special this year as Special Olympics Hawaii celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Over 1,100 athletes and coaches from around the state participated in the Summer Games at the University of Hawaii and Central Oahu Regional Park, including some from the Big Island.
Athletes began training in February and competed in area and regional competitions from March through the beginning of May. Competition was held in powerlifting, softball, swimming, and track and field.
There were many individual and team accomplishments, and below are a few of the standout performances from Big Island athletes.
Powerlifting
Kona Krushers (photo on left)
•Isaiah Wong received gold medals for squat, bench, deadlift and a combination of the three events. Wong broke the Hawaii State record for deadlift with a 515-pound lift.
•Yuu Takahashi received gold medals in bench and deadlift. Yuu is a wheel chair athlete.
•Quentin Wong received gold medals for squat, bench, deadlift and a combination of the three events.
•Dara Sabri received a silver in bench press and a bronze in a combination of the three events.
•Shawn Lehano received fourth place ribbons in squat and bench, and a bronze medal in deadlift and a combination of the three events.
Swimming
West Hawaii Sharks
• The West Hawaii Sharks swim team (middle, bottom) came home with medals and ribbons during a two-day competition.
Softball
West Hawaii Eagles
•The West Hawaii Eagles (bottom left) claimed the gold medal in the Coach Pitch “B” division on Saturday.
•Cody Bellville took home the gold and Dara Sabri won the silver in the individual skills event.
Track and field
West Hawaii Green Flash
• The West Green Flash track and field team (top, left) came home with various medals and ribbons.