Over 100 youth and adults are preparing to participate in Hilo’s third annual King Kamehameha’s Awesome Athletes Canoe Race on Sunday.
The inclusive canoe race was founded by the Arc of Hilo, Operation Sammy Muscular Dystrophy and Ohana Wa’a Laulima as a way to give people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in Hawaiian history and culture through the sport of paddling.
The Awesome Athletes Canoe Race has gained momentum with more participants traveling from further away to join in the fun on Hilo Bay.
“At least 30 athletes are coming from off island with two teams from Maui, 18 participants from Oahu and a team coming from the Arc of Lincoln in Nebraska,” said Arc of Hilo CEO Robert Efford. “This is the first time we have a mainland group of athletes joining us.”
The Arc of Lincoln became involved in the race after a board member heard about the event while visiting the island last year. They reached out later to see if it was possible to bring participants this year.
“Since they’ve been part of the race, we have helped them organize visits and have given tips on where to go while they are here. I know they will be lei making, going to see the volcano and visiting Kona side beaches,” Efford said. “I think this has become tangential to this program. We can help people not only be included in the canoe race, but also show them what the island has to offer especially for people with disabilities.”
As the race continues to bring more people to the Big Island, Hawaii Tourism Authority and the County of Hawaii are sponsoring the event this year as the race continues to bring more people to the Big Island.
Earl Cole, the winner of Survivor: Fiji in 2000 and a friend of Efford, will be a special guest and volunteer paddler this year as he represents his non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with Perthes and other rare diseases.
“We’re so excited Earl will be coming to the race and filming part of his documentary, which is centered on people with rare diseases and what they are doing to make the most of their abilities,” Efford said. “Earl’s foundation holds events all over the world for kids and him coming to be part of the Awesome Athletes race may bring some national attention.”
With more attention on the annual race, Efford is hoping to see the event continue to grow similarly to AccesSurf, which empowers people with disabilities from Hawaii and around the world with 40 events centered on accessible beach and water programs each year.
“I think this would attract specialized tourism and people with disabilities to the island who are interested in participating in the official state sport, which is culturally and historically important,” Efford said. “I can see this having several hundred participants from the mainland and around the world in a few years.”
Due to their positive experiences in the Awesome Athletes race, several athletes from organizations such as the Arc of Hilo, Easterseals and Full Life Hawaii have been paddling regularly with the inclusive canoe club, Ohana Wa‘a Laulima.
“The great thing about paddling is that you work as a team and this race is a friendly competition that leaves everyone feeling empowered afterward,” Efford said. “Every year we see everyone be so fearless, which gives me hope and makes me wonder what more I can do. It’s inspiring.”
There will be different advocacy groups and state organizations available during the event to talk with attendees and give out information on programs available for people with disabilities. Vendors and food trucks will also be stationed at the Hilo Bayfront with food, snacks and drinks.
While registration for athletes and volunteers has closed, anyone can come by Hilo Bay to watch the races and enjoy the day.