John Ferry has been a principal of Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty on Kauai for over 30-years and was disappointed to read in The Garden Island that the Department of Education was cutting nearly $130,000 for Special Olympics statewide. The
John Ferry has been a principal of Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty on Kauai for over 30-years and was disappointed to read in The Garden Island that the Department of Education was cutting nearly $130,000 for Special Olympics statewide.
The Education Department recommended the budget cut to comply with an order from Gov. Linda Lingle to slash $9.2 million in spending to cope with lower-than-expected state revenues. The Education Department says Special Olympics were targeted for cuts because it is not required for students.
One of the programs that was going to be cut was Kauai Special Olympics “Set ‘em Up and Knock ‘em Down” at the Lihue Bowling Center. The program is one of the most popular Special Olympic activities rivaling softball, basketball and soccer. The program for mentally disabled student athletes takes place during the school day; between transportation to and from the bowling alley and game fees, it costs about $3,000 per season.
On Oct. 25, Bali Hai presented a check for $3,000 to Jocelyn Barriga, Special Olympics Coordinator to ensure that the program on Kauai will take place this year.
• To learn more about participating with or donating to the Special Olympics on Kauai, contact Jocelyn Barriga at 652-8662.
