LIHU‘E — This may be the time of year for tricks or treats, but at Kukui Grove Center Saturday, keiki gathered to display their best kendama tricks and took home several treats. The Kendama for Breast Cancer Awareness Contest featured
LIHU‘E — This may be the time of year for tricks or treats, but at Kukui Grove Center Saturday, keiki gathered to display their best kendama tricks and took home several treats.
The Kendama for Breast Cancer Awareness Contest featured young people of all ages demonstrating their skills using the toys, which originated in Japan and are a take on a traditional cup-and-ball toy.
“We raised $535 for the American Cancer Society,” contest sponsor Mindy Hibbett said. More than 50 children participated in the event, held in the center court of the mall.
Families came out to support their keiki, several of whom were milling about with kendamas slung around their necks, while other children were seen teaching their friends various kendama tricks and strategies.
Hibbett, who opened a kendama kiosk Friday at the mall, was very pleased with the contest outcome.
“It was fun just seeing all the kids putting away their inhibitions,” she said. “We’re really thrilled, having never put on an event of this scale.”
Kendama USA provided several prizes and giveaways, including an iPad and case along with kendamas with pink balls, shirts, posters and stickers.
At the end of the event, competitor Noah Bermudez won the iPad and case.
“We’re happy with the number that turned out,” said contest emcee Brandon Flores of D&M Satellite Solutions. He said participants were judged on creativity and the ability to perform moves flawlessly.
The contest had beginner, intermediate and advanced levels for competitors, who then showed their skills on mini, regular and jumbo kendamas. Winners in each category received a trophy featuring a jumbo kendama with a pink ball for breast cancer awareness.
Contestants were judged by seven members of a competitive kendama team who organized after spending hours practicing with the toy around the Sun Cell Kaua‘i kiosk.
Flores said the children really came alive while playing games on stage to warm-up. One game called Ladders, had competitors performing a series of five tricks to advance to the next level.
Hibbett’s company, Sun Cell Kaua‘i, teamed up with D&M Satellite Solutions and Kendama USA to host the contest.
The Visitor Industry Charity Walk Kaua‘i provided materials to participants on preventing skin cancer, including bracelets with beads that change color in UV rays as a reminder to wear sunscreen.
D&M Satellite Solutions committed to donating $50 to the American Cancer Society for every new installation they perform through the end of October.
“The response has been over the top,” HIbbett said of the contest. “It was phenomenal. The spirit of aloha here is so tremendous.”
• Laurie Cicotello, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or business@thegardenisland.com
