With World Sprints beginning in Hilo this week, ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima, in coordination with the International Va’a Federation (IVF) and the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association (HCRA), are honored to host an exhibition race highlighting international paddlers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Paddlers who are normally left out of competitive racing have been given the opportunity to race alongside the international elite of the Va’a community in Hilo.
Hilo last hosted the IVF World Sprints in 2004, being the first Para Division exhibition race hosted for individuals with physical disabilities. A few years later, the Para Division became an officially-recognized part of the IVF World Sprints.
Ohana Wa’a Laulima is a Hilo-based canoe family founded to give individuals with disabilities an opportunity to learn and participate in the sport in a safe, welcoming environment. When the prospect of competing at an international level arose, the entire club was excited for the opportunity to qualify and possibly compete in the Para division. But only a small fraction of the entire club would qualify under the physical limitations requirements that the Para division is framed around.
This is where the idea of the exhibition race for individuals with intellectual disabilities was formed. The goal is to show the world that canoe paddling can be a truly inclusive sport and that there are no limitations to what can be accomplished.
Please support these amazing athletes at 11:55 a.m. Friday at Hilo Bayfront for the IDD Exhibition Race. There is additionally a special program starting at 11 a.m. for the paddlers.