Special Olympics West Hawaii will have its Kick-Off 2010 barbecue from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Kahaluu Beach Park. Anyone interested in learning more about Special Olympics, what the organization does and who it serves are welcome to attend.
There will also be sign-ups for Spring sports (swimming, softball/t-ball, powerlifting, track and field), handing out 2009 yearbooks, and yearly awards. Lunch will be provided and guests are encouraged to contribute as they see fit. Live music, great people, an awesome cause.
For more information, e-mail SOWH volunteers chairwoman Dulcie at specialolympicswh@gmail.com or call SOWH area director Dave Ross at 345-1344.
Athletes will be competing in swimming, softball and t-ball, powerlifting and track and field from February to May. Coaches will be trained at no cost.
Special Olympics West Hawaii is a year-round program of sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
To get involved or for more information, call SOWH Head of Delegation Lona Warner at 989-2080 or e-mail biglona@hotmail.com.
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Officers from the Hawaii Police Department will climb atop Safeway stores in both Hilo and Kona at 6 a.m. Thursday (September 3) to raise money for the Special Olympics.
The goal during the “2009 Cop on Top for Special Olympics” project is to stay on the roofs around the clock until 2 p.m. Saturday (September 5) while other officers and Special Olympics athletes collect donations at ground level.
Last year the two Big Island teams raised more than $28,000 for Special Olympics Hawaii.
The Special Olympics, modeled after the Olympic Games, provide a year-round program of training and competitive sports for physically or mentally challenged athletes. In these times of rising travel costs, the donations raised by Cop on Top help the organization give their athletes the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics competitions away from home.
This is the sixth year the Hawaii Police Department is participating in this event, which includes participation from law enforcement officers at the county, state and federal levels statewide.
“Cop on Top” is one of many activities that fall under the umbrella of the International Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Hawaii Police Department will reach new heights next month to support Special Olympics West Hawaii, a year-round program dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual disabilities improve their quality of life through sports.
For Cop On Top, local police officers will spend held Sept. 3 through Sept. 5 in the air on scaffolding at the Safeway on Henry Street in Crossroads Center in Kailua-Kona. They will rally support and drop buckets below to those passing by for donations to SOWH.
This year’s goal is to raise $15,000 and the police officers will actually sleep in the scaffolding for the three night — or until the monetary objective is reached.
All funds raised will stay in West Hawaii to be used for the SOWH program and its athletes. Cop On Top is SOWH’s biggest fundraiser of the year. SOWH is a nonprofit organization that is funded by donations, said SOWH Area Director Dave Ross.
SOWH helps athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skill and friendship with fellow athletes, families and the community. SOWH teams compete in Area Games on the Big Island and on Maui in order to qualify for the State Games on Oahu, where Special Olympics teams throughout the Hawaiian Islands compete for medals, Ross said.
SOWH appreciates the support the local community and makes giving back a priority. Annually, SOWH participates in service projects like beach cleanups, tree plantings, as well as runs aid stations for Ironman events, Kona Marathon and the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Ross said.
Here are some ways the public can help with Cop On Top:
* MAKE A DONATION – When you do your Safeway shopping Sept. 3 through Sept. 5, contribute. Or, thank the local police officers, athletes, volunteers and Safeway employees for their time and effort in supporting and promoting SOWH.
* GET INVOLVED – Become a part of this Fundraising event. Volunteers are needed to solicit donations and give information about SOWH. Those interested in volunteering should contact SOWH Volunteer Coordinator KC Strand at zionvideos@yahoo.com or 315-7944.
What local nonprofit organization provides sports training, on- and off-island competitions and receives no state or federal funding? What group is entirely run by volunteers and does not charge the participants and the participant’s families any training or travel expenses? If you guessed Special Olympics West Hawaii, you would be correct.
Hawaii Island residents and visitors will be able to support SOWH while enjoying a meal at the Kailua-Kona Denny’s Restaurant between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 16. Denny’s will donate 100 percent of the tips received during this time and 20 percent of all food and drink sales to SOWH.
Project Compassion is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Kona, Denny’s Restaurant and several non-profit organizations in Hawaii. The monthly events have raised awareness for many Big Island non-profits and thousands of dollars to support their programs. All proceeds from the events go to the participating charities.
Special Olympics, founded over 40 years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, believes that people with intellectual disabilities can participate in and benefit from participation in team and individual sports with the proper instruction and encouragement. Local and statewide competitions give these athletes the opportunity to measure personal growth and promotes the physical, mental and social development of the participants. Families are strengthened and the broader community benefits from seeing these athletes grow and participate in sports activities.
SOWH’s activities include basketball, softball, T-ball, track & field, swimming, power lifting, soccer and Bocce. All activities take place in an environment that promotes equality, respect and acceptance.
The Athlete’s Oath of Special Olympics is: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This oath signifies the importance of competition, personal effort and good sportsmanship.
The monies raised from the Project Compassion fundraiser will go toward supporting the Special Olympics West Hawaii’s programs and mission. This includes providing funds for transportation, uniforms and equipment.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy a meal and support a wonderful local organization on August 16 at Denny’s. Reservations are not required.
For more information about Special Olympics West Hawaii, contact David Ross at 808-345-1344 or by email at sowhdave@yahoo.com. Also learn more about SOWH programs online at www.sowh.org.
To learn more about the the Rotary Club of Kona’s Project Compassion, send an e-mail to Sue McConnel, who can be reached at samcconnel@aol.com.
Officers William Brown and Joseph Passmore wait on customers at Don's Grill during the 'Tip a Cop' fund-raiser for Special Olympics Hawai'i
The Hawai’i Police Department joined forces with the Special Olympics Hawai’i during the “Tip A Cop” fund-raising event held in Hilo.
Off-duty police officers from East Hawaii volunteered their time and efforts for the annual fund-raiser in which they raised $3,605 during the event held at both Ken’s House of Pancakes and Don’s Grill July 13-17. Officers bused tables and served water to customers, who donated “tips” to the officers. All the funds generated during the event benefited Special Olympics Hawaii for East Hawaii athletic events.
Police Chief Harry S. Kubojiri said the Hawaii Police Department continues to support Special Olympics Hawaii in its fund-raising events. “‘Tip A Cop’ is a great way for the community to positively interact with our officers and see them in a different light as they give back to the merchants and people of the Big Island through volunteering,” Kubojiri said.
West Hawaii participants of the 2009 Troy Barboza Torch Run
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East Hawaii participants.
Hawai’i Police Department officers, family, and friends participated in the 2009 Troy Barboza Torch Run benefiting Hawai’i Special Olympics.
On Saturday, April 18, the “Guardians of the Flame” carried the “Flame of Hope” from the Kea’au Police Station to the Kea’au High School sports complex, where they were greeted by athletes representing various Big Island schools as part of the opening ceremonies for the annual games sponsored by the East and West Hawai’i Special Olympics.
A similar event was held in West Hawai’i on Saturday, April 11. There, participants carried the flame from the Old Kona Airport rear softball field to Hale Halawai and back.
“The Hawaii Police Department is committed to continuing its partnership with the Hawaii Special Olympics in fulfilling their mission for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Chief Harry Kubojiri. “The torch run is one of many events to which our officers volunteer their time and effort.”
Officer Jason Grouns, Special Olympics Athlete Shawn Ono, and Officer Joseph Rocha.
The Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run is a coordinated project of the Hawai’i Police Department and Special Olympics Hawai’i. The Torch Run was created in 1981 by Chief Richard Lamunyon of Wichita, Kansas, who, along with a couple of deputies, ran the first torch run for Special Olympics. The torch is now carried by law enforcement officers — referred to as “Guardians of the Flame” — in every state and in more than 40 other countries. This International Torch Run, which lost money in 1981, raised more than $32 million world wide in 2008.
In Hawai’i, the torch run is named after fallen Honolulu Police Officer Troy Barboza, who volunteered as a Special Olympics coach and participated in the first Torch Run in Hawai’i.
On Saturday, April 18, the officers and supporters of Special Olympics ran through Kea'au for the East Hawai'i Troy Barboza Torch Run. Participants will began at 8:30 a.m. at the Kea'au police station. The "Flame of Hope" was carried to the Kea'au High School track to signify the start of the Special Olympics track and field games. (Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org)
On Saturday morning, April 11, officers of the Hawaii County Police Department and supporters of Special Olympics Hawai’i carried the “Flame of Hope” through the streets of Kona in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the athletes of Special Olympics. This event, known as the “Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics,” is a tradition in the law enforcement community around the world.
The Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run is a coordinated project of the Hawai’i Police Department and Special Olympics Hawai’i. The Torch Run was created in 1981 by Chief Richard Lamunyon of Wichita, Kansas, who, along with a couple of deputies, ran the first torch run for Special Olympics. The torch is now carried by law enforcement officers — referred to as “Guardians of the Flame” — in every state and in more than 40 other countries. This International Torch Run, which lost money in 1981, raised more than $32 million world wide in 2008. In Hawai’i, the torch run is named after fallen Honolulu Police Officer Troy Barboza, who volunteered as a Special Olympics coach and participated in the first Torch Run in Hawai’i.
On Saturday, April 18, the officers and supporters will be in Kea’au for the East Hawai’i Torch Run. Participants will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Kea’au police station. The “Flame of Hope” will be carried to the Kea’au High School track via Kekula Street. Its arrival at the track will signify the start of the Special Olympics track and field games scheduled for that morning.
If you would like to participate or make a donation in East Hawai’i, please call Lieutenant Mitchell Kanehailua or Elena Kawazoe at 961-2314, or Lieutenant Gregory Esteban at 961-2213.
Persons who make donations of $20 or more will receive a free commemorative 2009 Troy Barboza/First Hawaiian Bank Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirt or tank top. (A $25 donation entitles the donor to a long-sleeved shirt or one in XXXL size).
Police officers, Special Olympics West Hawaii and Tesoro will be filling tanks April 2 and April 3 at the Tesoro on Queen Kaahumanu Highway across from the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor.
Tesoro is hosting this event to raise money for SOWH, a year-round program of sports training and competitions for people with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteers are needed to pump gas, talk story, clean windshields, laugh and take donations. They can voluntarily work shifts either from 6 a.m.to 9 a.m. or from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Tell a friend, tell a co-worker, and tell your tutu. If you need gas, Tesoro is the place to be. The place will be pumping. Twice the shifts, twice the people, and twice the fun. Get out there and pump someone up.
To volunteer or for more information, send an e-mail to KC Strand, SOWH volunteer coordinator, at zionvideos@yahoo.com or call Dave Ross, SOWH area director, at 345-1344. Also visit www.sowh.org.
Six Special Olympics teams from Kona, Hilo and Honokaa will compete in the Big Island softball tournament April 11 at the fields behind the Kona Community Aquatic Center on Kuakini Highway.
Through this competition, teams qualify for the Summer Games held at the University of Hawaii-Manoa from May 29 to May 30. Summer Games marks the end of the Spring season.
Opening ceremonies for the Big Island softball tournament begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. Volunteers should check in between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to prepare and hand out awards; give snacks and drinks to spectators, athletes and volunteers; be on hand to handle minor injuries; as well as help people check in, answer questions and lend a hand.
Donations are being sought for snacks, drinks, lunches, paper goods, ice, medial supplies, and tents. Contributing businesses and organizations can have their banners displayed at the tournament.
For more information or to donate, call Dave Ross, Special Olympics West Hawaii area director, at 345-1344 or send an e-mail to sowhdave@yahoo.com. Also visit www.sowh.org.
Hawaii Preparatory Academy, in partnership with Special Olympics Hawaii, is hosting a Special Olympics Fun Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11.
The event will be held at HPA’s Stanford W. Shutes Track, located at the school’s Upper Campus.
The Special Olympics Fun Day features events for every fitness level – from the serious athlete to beginners.
Participants can register for the following events: 50m dash, 100m dash, 200m dash, softball throw, shot put throw, 100m assisted walk, bocce ball, standing long jump, and running long jump.
The fun day is open to pre-registered athletes, their families, and supporters.
Athletes who would like to participate in the free event can register by contacting Dana Petteys at dpetteys@hpa.edu.
