Members of the Hawai‘i Junior Surf team took the time out from competition to do a little community service. These “Ambassadors of Aloha,” who will be heading to Ecuador later this month for the International Surfing Association’s Junior World Championships,
Members of the Hawai‘i Junior Surf team took the time out from competition to do a little community service. These “Ambassadors of Aloha,” who will be heading to Ecuador later this month for the International Surfing Association’s Junior World Championships, took the time in between heats of their most recent competition in Hanalei to scan the beach for trash.
Team Hawai‘i’s director Rainos Hayes said in a release that it is the goal of the team and its sponsors Verizon Wireless and Hard Rock Cafe, that the kids give back to the beaches at which they surf.
“Because the beach and ocean are such a vital part of our sport, our economy and lifestyle,” Hayes said, “we have decided to be proactive wherever we train, compete, or just hang out. We want to leave every beach cleaner than we found it, even as we travel round the world.”
Some of the members of the team include Kaua‘i’s Leila Hurst, Nage Melamed, Malia Manuel, Dylan Goodale, Kyle Galtes and Kaimana Jacquias.
An official team Send Off party is planned for March 21 at Hard Rock Cafe in Waikiki that will feature live music, food refreshments, comedy with Augie T. as well as a host of dignitaries. The day will be proclaimed Hawai‘i Junior Surf Team Send Off Day and Lt. Governor Duke Aiona will be one of the dignitaries who has committed to attend. The event will feature guest speakers from the private and public sector including past champions in the sport of surfing and key individuals that represent Hawai‘i’s cultural interests in the sport.
