After a two-year hiatus, Special Olympics West Hawaii held their awards banquet Saturday at Kahaluu Beach with a pavilion full of athletes, coaches and volunteers sharing smiles, laughter and fellowship.
West Hawaii Area Director Denise Lindsey said everyone was excited, especially since the banquet hasn’t been held since 2019. It was also a day where athletes could sign up for their favorite sport.
“The awards are recognition of our wonderful volunteers, coaches and athletes for an outstanding job and commitment to excellence,” she said. “Having Special Olympics sports for individuals with developmental disabilities gives them the best opportunity to practice and compete on a high level.”
Lindsey said surfing and golf are being added to the line-up this year with the established summer sporting events of powerlifting, track and field, swimming and softball.
“We are seeking coaches for golf and track and field,” she said. “And volunteers are welcome all year round.”
The awards banquet comes on the heels of Special Olympics Hawaii announcing four individuals will represent Hawaii at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany in June. They include two Special Olympics Hawaii athletes, Teresa Moore and Virginia “Kalei” Lee, who will compete for Special Olympics USA, Shavanna Mahoe as an official, as well as Hawaii Police Department Officer Kuilee Dela Cruz who will participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Athletes Moore and Lee, both from Hawaii Island, will compete in powerlifting and track and field. Mahoe from Oahu, will join the World Games Local Organizing Committee as a bocce official, and Dela Cruz will represent Hawaii in the Law Enforcement Torch Run as a part of the Law Enforcement Team.
The cost to send one individual to the Special Olympics World Games is more than $2,500. Special Olympics Hawaii is accepting tax-deductible donations to defray expenses at https://bit.ly/SOHI2023WorldGames.
“This year our athletes and Torch Runner will represent the state in Berlin on a national platform while highlighting their skills,” said Special Olympics Hawaii’s President and CEO, Dan Epstein. “Please consider helping to make this once in a lifetime dream come true and supporting them by making a tax-deductible donation.”
