Kahakai Elementary School students got splashed with bright colors while getting physically fit Wednesday at the school’s Rainbow Run.
Started eight years ago by physical education teacher Janet Hunter, the run begins with an obstacle course where students are sprayed with colorful liquid and culminates with keiki tossing colorful powder in the air.
“We couldn’t do it the last two years because of COVID,” she said. “So this is pretty exciting to do it again.”
On Wednesday, students from kindergarten to second grade took to the field for the fast paced, high energy run. Today, third through fifth graders get to participate in the fun experience.
Students purchased white T-shirts for the run, which became multi-colored by the conclusion of the event.
Hunter said the school netted $1 per shirt sold, which will be used to purchase PE equipment.
“We don’t get and funding from the DOE for equipment, so this is a way to replace and replenish,” she said.
This year, the event was sponsored by Project No Ke Ola Pono O Na Keiki, started last May with grant money secured by founder Joel Matsunaga, West Hawaii Complex Health and PE Resource Teacher. He started the program as a response to the pandemic’s effect of diminishing physical education in schools.
The project’s mission is to support school wellness programs by building capacity for health and physical education within West Hawaii schools.
“We are trying to revive health and fitness and make these annual events,” Matsunaga said. “Each participating school gets $1,000 to by athletic equipment to perpetuate PE.”
Matsunaga noted only two full-time PE teachers are employed in the 19 West Hawaii elementary schools, and he is the only health and PE resource teacher in the district. He has field days planned for other schools in the area complex with activities ranging from aquatic safety to hip hop dancing to paniolo roping.
But Wednesday was all about the colors. In the end, prizes provided by Ironman and No Ke Ola Pono O Na Keiki were given to teachers and students.
“It was an event that brings together sports, exercise, health and of course, fun,” said Hunter.