The Kaua‘i Special Olympics Swim Team, accompanied by coaches Sharon Peck, Tamarine Mapuhi and assistant Missy Peck, recently enjoyed a triumphant return to Kaua‘i after competing in the State Swimming Finals on O‘ahu, states a release from the Kaua‘i organization.
The Kaua‘i Special Olympics Swim Team, accompanied by coaches Sharon Peck, Tamarine Mapuhi and assistant Missy Peck, recently enjoyed a triumphant return to Kaua‘i after competing in the State Swimming Finals on O‘ahu, states a release from the Kaua‘i organization. Coaches Billy Brown and Kailee Mu were not able to make the trip, but were there in spirit.
The two-day competition marked the culmination of months of practice at the Kaua‘i YMCA’s Puhi aquatic facility. The finals were held Memorial Day Weekend, hosted by the University of Hawai‘i at its Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex. To qualify for the state finals, the swimmers first competed in the regional Special Olympics swim meet held last month on Maui.
The Kaua‘i Special Olympic swimmers included: Sarah Peck, Pualani Rapozo, Emily Sullivan, Lucas Moore, Chad Okino, Makani Kapua, Alex McClurg and Katherine Tan. They were joined by scores of other special athletes from all over the state. Each of the swimmers entered at least four events including free-style, back stroke, butterfly, breast stroke and relays. Combined, the Kaua‘i swimmers won over 30 gold, silver and bronze medals.
All the athletes were hosted in UH dorms, which also provided meals. The many Special Olympics events — Track and Field competition was also held at UH at the same time — were expertly managed by an army of volunteers, who also saw to it that everyone received an ono lunch. On-site medical services were provided by American Medical Response, under the direction of Danny Kao.
This successful trip was made possible by team fund-raising efforts, generous support from our Kaua‘i YMCA and its director, Tom Tannery, and funding from Special Olympics Hawai‘i, as well as other, private donors. In addition, many Kaua‘i High School swimmers helped the special athletes at the team’s weekly practices. These generous volunteers included: Jacob Peck, Cinzia Bruno, Ellie Valentino, Kayla Graham and Juliah Peck.
Besides the track and field and swimming competitions, Special Olympics hosted an on-site “Healthy Athlete” program in which volunteers provided education and screening for hearing, oral health, healthy lifestyles, general fitness, podiatry and vision. Athletes in need of glasses were even able to sign up to receive a pair for free.
For the athletes, one of the highlights of the trip was the Saturday evening dance held at UH at the Klum Gym. It was attended by scores of energetic, fun-filled athletes from every part of the state.
The Kaua‘i swim team is already looking forward to next year’s meet and would welcome new swimmers. If there is someone with special needs in your ohana who might be interested in any of the Special Olympic programs, or if you’d like to coach or volunteer, please contact Nip Ho on O‘ahu at 808-943-8808 ext. 103; email program@specialolympicshawaii.org; or visit their website at www.specialolympicshawaii.org.
