KAILUA-KONA — Three student athletes from Kealakehe High School volunteered at the Special Olympics Powerlifting Competition held Sunday at Imua Iron Gym.
Darren Elisaga, founder and owner of Imua Iron, has been involved in hosting and judging the Special Olympics event since 2000. He encourages youth who train under him to get involved in this event that features special needs athletes, some of whom use wheelchairs for mobility.
Acting as loaders and spotters during the competition provided an opportunity for Kealakehe High School juniors Wylan Thomas, Makali‘i Parker and Cody Jones to witness the strength and determination exhibited by the competitors.
Thomas, Parker and Jones train three times a week under the guidance of Darren and the rest of the Imua Iron powerlifting team.
“Uncle Darren asked us to help and said it was something we could learn from,” said Thomas.
Wylan is a volleyball player on the Kealakehe High varsity team, and has used powerlifting to help with body image issues he has dealt with in the past.
“Disability is not a factor,” Wylan shared when asked what he got out of his involvement in the event.
Makali’i Parker competed in his first powerlifting competition a month ago and is looking forward to the upcoming July competition. Parker uses powerlifting to build his body strength and achieve his goals in rugby. He’s also a member of the Kona Royals Rugby Club.
“I’ve gained respect for others, seeing what they’ve done today,” he said.
Cody Jones — who has been attending the yearly event with his family for the last eight years — has been powerlifting for three years and holds national and state records. This year was his first year assisting as a loader and spotter.
“It’s always inspiring to see these athletes,” he said. “It felt good to be able to help.”
Jones’ biggest takeaway from the event; “never judge a book by its cover.”
The three young men will use the inspiration from the athletes at the Special Olympics meet when they compete July 2 in the Hawaii’s Strongest Push Pull Competition at Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium in Hilo.