Two West Hawaii Special Olympics powerlifters are taking home medals from the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida.
Shawn Lehano and Quentin Wong competed in powerlifting under the direction of coach Denise Lindsey at the games that drew more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean. The two West Hawaii athletes won a combined four medals.
The games, which began June 5 and wrap up Sunday, included a Hawaii delegation of 36, also known as Hui ‘O Hawaii. Comprised of 16 athletes, unified partners, coaches, a medical coordinator, a law enforcement torch runner, and SOHI staff, Hui ‘O Hawai’i competed in four sports: bocce, bowling, powerlifting and swimming. Athletes are slated to compete today in bocce, bowling and swimming.
The athletes have been training hard since August 2021 in the hopes of bringing home the gold.
“It’s been a long road but a successful one for our Big Island and Oahu special Olympic athletes who competed in the Special Olympics 2022 USA Nationals,” said Lindsey.
In addition to Lehano and Wong, Oahu powerlifters Daniel Saito and Scottie Pacheco also competed, bringing home seven medals.
“There were several hundred powerlifters from across the United States, and Hawaii was very proud to have these four athletes represent Hawaii,” said Lindsey.
She said the Big Island athletes were notified in April 2021 that they had been chosen for the nationals.
“It wasn’t easy to get training during Covid since most things were closed down in 2021, and Special Olympics even shut down,” she said. “So these lifters had to find ways to keep their bodies in shape and to keep their strength up to par. We did lots of zoom fitness with Special Olympics Hawaii and I as a coach helped them as much as I could on zoom and live in person when we could meet.”
When most of the COVID restrictions were lifted, Lindsey said they hit the iron with full force.
“There are so many people involved to thank throughout our Kona community, along with our Special Olympics volunteer’s. All these individuals helped our athletes become Medalists at the USA Special Olympics Nationals,” she said. “A big mahalo to The Club in Kona and Imua Iron for their continued support with the Special Olympics Athletes who train at their gyms. On behalf of Special Olympics Team Hui O’Hawaii, we graciously say Mahalo for supporting our mission.”
Shawn Lehano competed in the 74kg weight class division winning a silver medal in bench press with weight of 93 pounds and a bronze medal in deadlift with weight of 132 pounds.
Quentin Wong competed in the 93 kg weight class division taking a silver medal in bench press with weight of 226 pounds, a bronze medal in deadlift with weight of 369 pounds and fourth place in squat with 270 pounds. Wong also took fourth place in Combination 3 with a score of 865 pounds.
Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities.
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics Hawaii has grown to serve more than 4,700 athletes and unified partners on every island in the state. With the support of more than 11,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 10 Olympic-type sports and over 50 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. There is never a fee for any athlete or family to participate in Special Olympics programs.
For more information, or to donate, visit sohawaii.org