LIHU‘E — Over a hundred motorcycle enthusiasts and classic cars and hot rods took advantage of the sunny Sunday weather to turn out and help the Special Olympics program at the Second Annual Ride billed as “Ride With Pride.” Councilman
LIHU‘E — Over a hundred motorcycle enthusiasts and classic cars and hot rods took advantage of the sunny Sunday weather to turn out and help the Special Olympics program at the Second Annual Ride billed as “Ride With Pride.”
Councilman Mel Rapozo, once a coach for the Special Olympics program, welcomed the riders, and thanked them for the support they show for Kaua‘i’s contingent of Special Olympians.
Dean Oshiro was one such competitor, announcing that he will be competing on O‘ahu on Friday, Dec. 3 in bowling.
Oshiro, now an employee at the trucking company Kauai Veterans’ Express, grew up as a distance runner for the Special Olympics program, Rapozo recollected.
It is through fund-raising efforts like these that the Special Olympics program can continue on Kaua‘i. Jocelyn Freitas, the Special Olympics area director for Kaua‘i, said they get no funding from the state for their approximately $60,000 annual operating budget.
All of the funding needs to be generated through fund-raisers such as the motorcycle ride, the bowling tournament held two weeks ago, and the Cop on Top program that was held in conjunction with the state Special Olympics program and the Safeway Stores.
Prosecuting Attorney-elect Craig DeCosta, who provided the invocation for the event, said he used to just give money until Freitas became the director. “She works in our office,” DeCosta said. “So, now, we help wherever we can.”
In addition to the riders, who paid a minimum of $20 to participate, volunteers noted that there was a silent auction featuring an assortment of items ranging from inter-island airline tickets to hotel packages as well as several motorcycle enthusiasts’ clothing.
A lucky-number drawing as well as food items rounded out the ways the Special Olympics program was able to raise funds.
Ron Garlie of Puhi Paint normally would be seen in his leathers at these events, but on Sunday, he was in aloha wear.
“I tried to get the bike out of the shop by Saturday so I could ride today,” he said. “But, it seems like they have a problem with the computer, so I guess I won’t be riding. But, I came down to help out the Special Olympics, and maybe even get a shirt.”
The event was co-sponsored by the Kaua‘i Off Road Riders, Tom Leighton of Two Wheels, Ken Carvalho of Fun & Kwazy Rentals, and Mark Oyama of Mark’s Place. 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.
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
