Inaugural Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race draws dozens
The paddlers rowed as fast as they could in Hilo Bay, determined to beat the other canoes to the finish line. But this was no ordinary race, and whether they placed first or last, these paddlers had reason to exalt in their achievement.
It was all part of the first-ever “Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race” in the state, possibly the nation, organized by and for people with wide-ranging disabilities. Many participants had never even been in a canoe before they signed up for this race, and were eager to learn how to paddle.
The races, held Sunday morning, also commemorated the birthday of King Kamehameha I, who had famously launched 10,000 canoes from the Hilo Bay in his quest to unify the Hawaiian Islands, according to Robert Efford, CEO of the nonprofit Arc of Hilo, a key sponsor of the event. Other partners were OSMD Hawaii (Operation Sammy Muscular Dystrophy), and ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima.
He added that two paddlers who were instrumental in organizing the day’s activities: Kauila Haumea, who is legally blind and has limited mobility, and Daryl “Sammy” Sampaga, who has muscular dystrophy. He said both exemplify courage and determination, the very same qualities that also had defined Kamehameha.
About 60 athletes of all ages took part in the canoe races, which were separated into different adult and keiki divisions. Many had been preparing for weeks, attending twice-weekly practice sessions to master everything from getting in and out of the boat to coordinating with teammates seated in front or back, to speeding up their own paddle strokes. But mainly, the event was just about being included in a fun and culturally significant activity, said one parent whose child participated.
“Watching my autistic teen’s face as they watched people fidget, stim, dance, run, jump and just experience emotions in all their glory was priceless,” said Zehava Zaidoff. “Such a safe place to be who you are and paddle. It was beautiful.”
Based on the event’s success, which attracted numerous corporate sponsors, a large crowd, more than 100 volunteers and VIP supporters including Mayor Mitch Roth, the canoe race is now being planned as an annual event, organizers said.
For more information, visit hilocanoerace.com.
