Former Kapa‘a resident Kevin Kitamura is one of two disabled Hawai‘i athletes who won a prestigious national scholarship. The “Swim with Mike” program announced that they will award Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarships to BYU Hawai‘i student Fulutusi “Tusi” Mailo and
Former Kapa‘a resident Kevin Kitamura is one of two disabled Hawai‘i athletes who won a prestigious national scholarship.
The “Swim with Mike” program announced that they will award Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarships to BYU Hawai‘i student Fulutusi “Tusi” Mailo and University of Hawai‘i student Keith Kitamura on March 5 at the first annual Swim With Mike Hawai‘i at the Duke Kahanamoku Pool on the University of Hawai‘i, Manoa campus.
With UH swimmers and others on hand, Mailo and Kitamura will cheer them on and share their remarkable stories.
Kitamura, originally from Kapa’a, was a senior in high school when he was left paraplegic by a car accident.
The four-sport star athlete persevered through three months of intense rehabilitation, and went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education from UH Manoa. With the Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship, Kitamura is pursing a Masters degree at UH Manoa.
BYUH’s Mailo, an O‘ahu native, was an all-state linebacker for Kahuku high school. After suffering from a beach accident while visiting his brother, Tusi was left paralyzed, undergoing nine months of hospitalization followed by intense physical therapy. He is currently pursuing his Bachelors degree at Brigham Young University, La’ie campus.
The two will be the first Hawai‘i recipients of the scholarships, which are heading into their 25th year.
Originating at the University of Southern California (USC) in 1981, Swim With Mike, is an annual swim-a-thon fundraiser for the Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to students who have overcome life-challenging accidents or illnesses.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, a Swim With Mike swim-a-thon will be held for the first time in Hawaii to benefit its recipients. The University of Hawai‘i Athletics Department will cosponsor the Swim and UH Coaches and student-athletes will participate.
Kaia Hedlund, Swim With Mike Hawaii Event Coordinator, is excited about the opportunity to rally Hawaii residents around a cause so close to her heart. “I spoke at an awards banquet for Keith after his accident.
Watching his strength and the perseverance of the other athletes made me want to help this cause in any way possible. Having a swim-a-thon in Hawaii is a great way to increase our reach,” she said.
Since its inception in 1981, Swim With Mike has raised $5 million for 45 full scholarships, including providing financial assistance towards housing and books.
It boasts an impressive recipient and alumni list, ranging in age from 18 to 38, traveling as far away as India and pursuing careers in fields ranging from cinematography to business, medicine and law. Athletes have represented 16 different sports on levels ranging from high school junior varsity to NCAA Division 1.
Swim With Mike began as a fundraiser, “Swim For Mike,” to purchase a specially equipped van for three-time All-American USC swimmer, Mike Nyeholt, who became paralyzed in a motorcycle accident in 1981.
At Nyeholt’s suggestion, the excess monies raised that year were used to aid other athletes overcome paralyzing or physically disabling injuries or illnesses, and return to school. With the help of Nyeholt’s teammate and now USC Associate Athletic Director Ron Orr, “Swim With Mike” was born the following year when Nyeholt returned to swim laps.
“The amount of overwhelming support I received in 1981 helped transform a devastating personal blow into a helping hand for many others,” said Mike Nyeholt in a press release. “I congratulate and thank our Swim With Mike friends in Hawai‘i who are volunteering their time and efforts to help our recipients continue obtaining a university education.”
In order to qualify for a scholarship, applicants must have suffered an illness or injury that resulted in a physical disability, which substantially limits major life activity; have participated in organized high school or college athletics prior to the illness or injury; meet admissions requirements of the selected university, and maintain a 2.5 GPA while enrolled.
For more information and a full list of scholarship recipients, visit http://www.swimwithmike.org.
