Special Olympics West Hawaii participated in 3 fun filled days at the 2023 State Summer Games On Oahu last weekend. Competition was offered statewide in the sport of swimming, track and field, powerlifting and softball.
West Hawaii’s delegation included eight athletes who competed in swimming, powerlifting and track and field. Kealoha Delovio and Isaiah Wong competed in swimming. Kealoha received a Silver for the 50 yard freestyle, Gold in the 25 freestyle and Gold in the Backstroke. Isaiah received Silver medals for 50 yard, 100 yard and 200 yard Freestyle. These two fine athletes were coached under the direction of Christine O’Gorman Embernate.
Track and Field athlete Mickey Rooney competed in the Softball Throw and received a 4th place ribbon and silver medals in both the 200 and 400 meter walk competitions.
Mickey was coached by HPD Officer Michael Abran who also participated in the last leg of the Troy Barboza Torch Run.
West Hawaii sent over five powerlifters to the games. Sierra Whiteside, a first year Wheelchair Athlete competed in Bench only and slayed her division winning a Gold medal. Shawn Lehano competed in Bench and received a Gold medal. Dara Sabri, Zach Trim and Quentin Wong all competed in Combo 3 which is Squat, Bench and Deadlift. Dara received 3 Golds and 1 Silver, Zach received 4 Golds and Quentin received 3 Silvers and 1 Gold. Powerlifting was coached by Renee Morinaka, Melissa Oman, Nani Lehano, Kit Kurtz, Kenison Morinaka, William Li and Head Coach Denise Lindsey.
“Special Olympics would like to thank the County of Hawaii, Lifeguards at the Kona Aquatics Center, Konawaena High School, The Club in Kona and IMUA Iron for the use of their training facilities,” said Lindsey.
Kalei Lee is currently in Germany representing both West Hawaii and the United States in the World Games in Powerlifting competition. She is joined by East Hawaii athlete Teresa Moore.
Also in attendance, running the last leg of the torch run ending in Berlin is Waimea’s own HPD Officer Kui Dela Cruz.
The next sports begin on June 28. They are Soccer, Bocce Ball, Golf and Surfing. Contact Denise at sowhdenise@gmail.com to get more information on sports and volunteer sign ups or to donate.