The people of Kaua‘i are invited to join in and support Kaua‘i’s Special Olympics athletes this Saturday. Starting at 7 a.m., runners and walkers can register for the annual Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run at the First Hawaiian Bank,
The people of Kaua‘i are invited to join in and support Kaua‘i’s Special Olympics athletes this Saturday.
Starting at 7 a.m., runners and walkers can register for the annual Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run at the First Hawaiian Bank, Lihu‘e Branch.
At 7:30 a.m. Kaua‘i’s law enforcement officers will run the “Flame of Hope” from the First Hawaiian Bank to the Vidinha Stadium starting at 7:30 a.m.
Runners and walkers wishing to participate in the Troy Barboza Run need to register for $20 per participant and will receive a commemorative crew neck T-shirt or tank top which will feature the new surfboard logo.
For those who decide not to participate in the run but still want to show support, shirts are available for sale now at all First Hawaiian Bank branches, or through the Kaua‘i Police Department. All proceeds from the Troy Barboza Run as well as from the T-shirt sales will benefit the Special Olympics Hawai‘i program.
Some of the groups that have participated in the run include the football teams from all three of Kaua‘i’s public high schools, the Lifetime Stand from the Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center, families of law enforcement officers, and many of the community residents who take advantage of walking, jogging, or running during the cool of the morning.
With the completion of the run, a Kaua‘i Special Olympic athlete will join the law enforcement officer in lighting the caldron symbolizing the start of the Special Olympics Kaua‘i Track and Field Meet at Vidinha Stadium.
That ceremony starts at 8 a.m. with the athletic events starting at 8:30 a.m.
“There is nothing like seeing the happy faces of our athletes as they compete before a loud cheering audience,” said Shelly Gerardo, a longtime volunteer with the Kaua‘i Special Olympics.
The morning will be filled with athletic events as the Special Olympic athletes compete in various field and track events such as the 50 meter dash, standing and running long jump, shot put, softball throw, and the 400 meter relay.
Joining the athletes, a volunteer task force from the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa always helps coordinate the athletes’ registration, track and field events, and the awards presentations.
This year, according to a blurb in the East Kaua‘i Lions Club newsletter, that organization is also planning to turn out to support the athletes as they compete to qualify for the statewide Special Olympics Track and Field competition held on O‘ahu during the summer.
In addition to the Special Olympics athletic competition, people can also stop by for a kalua pork and cabbage lunch which will be available at the food booth.
Tickets for the lunch is a $7 donation and are available in advance from any Special Olympic athlete.
The Special Olympics mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
For more information about enrolling an athlete, or to volunteer, call 652-8662.
