The Unified T-Ball Team

By Dave Ross | Special to Hawaii 24/7

Special Olympics West Hawaii traveled to Oahu May 27-29 to compete in the 2011 State Summer Games.  The West Hawaii team, comprised of 52 athletes, coaches and unified partners from Oceanview to Waimea, competed at the UH-Manoa campus with the 850 statewide athletes in softball, powerlifting, swimming and track and field events.

Opening ceremonies took place at Les Murakami Statium and welcomed over 2,500 volunteers participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run named for fallen police officer Troy Barboza.  Hawaii County Police Detective Renee Morinaka represented West Hawaii and enjoyed the run with endless smiles and enthusiasm.

The Sharks brought home five gold, five silver and four bronze medals from swimming events.

Special Olympics West Hawaii brought home seven gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze medals from the events.

The Sharks, led by head coach Holly DeGeal, medaled in 14 of the 20 events the swimmers entered with Kaiena Costa edging out two other swimmers in the 50m freestyle by less than one second.

The Cobras Tee-Ball team used the power of the the Phillip sisters, Malia Conner and Jennifer Poblano to net their fourth place finish.

Isaiah Wong crushed the competition with a 440 pound dead-lift in his 180 pound weight class.  The dual sport Phillip sisters also each took home a silver in the bench press competition.

Kona Speedsters in the track events.

The Kona speedsters burned up Ching Field track with Lendon Cariaga-Ventura and Damian Extor bringing home a combined four medals including a bronze in the 4x100m Unified relay.

The Kona Magua Unified Softball team played at Murakami Stadium to a third place finish behind the pitching and timely hitting of Don Tornow.  Unified sports teams are a team made up of a 50/50 mix of Special Olympics athletes and community partners without disabilities.

Special Olympics is dedicated to year-round sports training for children and adults with developmental disabilities.  We train all year round in 3 distinct sports seasons and are always open to new athletes and volunteers regardless of prior experiences with the developmentally disabled community.  Our next sports season consists of bocce ball and soccer.  We will host island wide teams on July 31st in a local competition and travel to Oahu in mid August for the State Aukake Classic.

If you have any questions about the program feel free to email us at specialolympicswh@gmai… or call Special Olympics West Hawaii Area Director David Ross at (808) 345-1344 and visit our website at http:www.sowh.org

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

Four HPA swimmers teamed up to set a state record in the boys 200-yard medley relay event and also captured two other state relay titles.

The triple-threat team included Kaikea Nakachi, Logan Borowski, Kyle Katase and Ryan Ross. The new record is 1:35.70; the previous record was 1:35.97 set by Iolani School in 2009.

The same four swimmers teamed up to win the boys 200-yard freestyle relay title and also the boys 400-yard freestyle relay title.

Right behind them in the 200-yard event were the Kamehameha Schools Hawaii squad of Ryan Stack, Gary Akiona, Nicholas Leota and Evan Uy – tied for second in state with Iolani.

Also scooping state titles were:

* Kiana Yamashiro, Kamehameha Schools Hawaii – girls 200-yard freestyle
* Logan Borowski, HPA – boys 50-yard freestyle
* Kaikea Nakachi, HPA – boys 100-yard backstroke
* Madisyn Uekawa, Waiakea – girls 100-yard breaststroke
* Kyle Katase, HPA – boys 100-yard breaststroke

— For the complete results of the preliminary and the final rounds, visit: www.sportshigh.com/fil…

MEDIA RELEASE

Logan Borowski, a senior at Hawaii Preparatory Academy and a member of the school’s Academy Swim Club, has been named to USA Swimming’s 2010 Scholastic All-America Team.

Borowski is the only student from Hawaii to make the team.

Each year, USA Swimming recognizes its members who excel in the classroom and in the pool. The Scholastic All-America Team is made up of high school student-athletes who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and who have achieved the required time standard in a single event.

To be eligible for this recognition, swimmers must have completed their sophomore, junior or senior year and must be a USA Swimming member athlete.

“Logan has worked very hard to be a swimmer of extreme speed,” said HPA swim coach Mark Noetzel. “His teammates have supported him by pushing him to become better and better during their practice workouts.”

Team captain Borowski currently holds school records in the 50 freestyle, 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly, and 200 medley relay. He dominated the 2010 BIIF Championship by placing first in the 200 medley relay, 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and 200 freestyle relay.

At the 2010 Hawaii High School Athletic Association Championship, Borowski took state titles in the 50 freestyle and 200 medley relay, was runner up in the 200 freestyle relay, and placed third in the 100 butterfly.

He also was named a 2010 All America in the 50 Freestyle by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA), ranking him among the top swimmers in the country.

MEDIA RELEASE

WAIMEA, Island of Hawaii—Hawaii Preparatory Academy will offer three swim/water polo camps for students 8 years of age and older at the school’s Dowsett Pool. Students must be able to swim 25 yards or more to attend the camps.

Session 1 will run March 22-25 (Fee: $115); Session 2 will run June 7-11 (Fee: $140); and Session 3 will run June 14-18 (Fee: $140). Camps begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m.

Swim instruction will cover the four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle), starts, and turns. Participants will learn the basics, improve their skills, or master technique. HPA varsity swim and Academy Swim Club coach Mark Noetzel will lead the swim portion of the camp with assistance from HPA and ASC coach Greg McKenna, current varsity players, and swimmers. Noetzel (ASCA/USA Swimming Inc. coach) has worked extensively with swimmers of all abilities—from beginners to Olympic champions.

Water polo instruction will include general water polo skills, ball handling, and team play.

All levels—beginning, intermediate, and advanced—are encouraged to participate. Day one of the camp will include a skills evaluation of each participant.

For more information, contact Mark Noetzel at 808-640-6236 e-mail: mnoetzel@hpa.edu

Kealakehe girls take the overall HHSAA crown by coming in third place int he 400 meter freestyle relay.

Photography by Rick Ogata | Special to Hawaii 24/7

MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Parks and Recreation would like to inform the public that the Konawaena Swimming Pool will reopen on Friday, December 18th following a short closure for repairs. The swimming pool will resume its weekday hours and will be closed on weekends until further notice.

Pool Hours are:

Mon-Thurs: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Fridays: 10 a.m. – 5:15 pm..

For more information, please call 323‑3252 or 961-8694.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Konawaena Swimming Pool will be closed from Friday, November 20 until Monday, November 30 for maintenance and repairs. If you have any questions, please call the Aquatics Division at 961-8694.

Kona Aquatics- King’s Swim
July 11, 2009 – Kailua Kona Hawaii

For complete official results go to: JTL Timing Systems

Overall Results

 Plc Name                      Division     Residence             Time   Pace

   1 Nicholas Garrett          15 - 18      Kailua Kona, HI      :23:27  19:32
   2 Ky Foo                    11 - 14      Kailua Kona, HI      :23:28  19:33
   3 Krista Maier              19 - 24    F Kailua Kona, HI      :23:32  19:36
   4 Nathaniel Goodale         15 - 18      Kailua Kona, HI      :23:34  19:38
   5 Kinney Gandall            15 - 18      Hilo, HI             :23:36  19:40
   6 Harrison Hapgood          15 - 18      Kailua Kona, HI      :23:41  19:44
   7 Alyssa Foo                15 - 18    F Kailua Kona, HI      :23:57  19:57
   8 Kaikea Nakachi            15 - 18      Kailua Kona, HI      :24:21  20:17
   9 Madison Hauanio           11 - 14    F Kailua Kona, HI      :24:41  20:34
  10 Jp Friend                 15 - 18      Kailua Kona, HI      :24:43  20:35
  11 Aimee Kolman              35 - 39    F Kealakekua, HI       :24:45  20:37
  12 Rachel Shimizu            15 - 18    F Kurtistown, HI       :24:48  20:40
  13 Kyle Katase               15 - 18      Kailua Kona, HI      :24:50  20:41
  14 Jim Mellon                45 - 49      Hilo, HI             :24:55  20:45
  15 Ed Doherty                40 - 44      Waikoloa, HI         :25:06  20:55
  16 Evan Uy                   15 - 18      Kailua-Kona, HI      :25:14  21:01
  17 Noelani Vargas            15 - 18    F Kamuela, HI          :25:21  21:07
  18 Ashley Yeager             19 - 24    F Waikoloa, HI         :25:25  21:10
  19 James Mccleery            60 - 64      Oak Harbor, WA       :25:33  21:17
  20 Leahi Camacho             11 - 14    F Kailua Kona, HI      :25:37  21:20
  21 Monroe Roos               30 - 34      Kailua-Kona, HI      :25:39  21:22
  22 Blain Peerson             45 - 49      Live Oak, FL         :25:50  21:31
  23 Shane Sigetic             25 - 29      Pahoa, HI            :25:52  21:33
  24 Evan Lee Loy              15 - 18      Kailua Kona, HI      :25:59  21:39
  25 Kevin Donlon              30 - 34      Turlock, CA          :26:03  21:42
  26 Emilie Mesman             11 - 14    F Kamuela, HI          :26:05  21:44
  27 Madeline Foo              11 - 14    F Kailua Kona, HI      :26:08  21:46
  28 Derek Monell              45 - 49      Captain Cook, HI     :26:25  22:00
  29 Marcail Mclean            15 - 18    F Holualoa, HI         :26:33  22:07
  30 Bhillie Luciani           11 - 14    F Waimea, HI           :26:39  22:12
  31 Jason Nixon               45 - 49      Kamuela, HI          :26:44  22:16
  32 Andy Schmid               30 - 34      Kailua Kona, HI      :26:56  22:26
  33 Cody Morse                15 - 18      Kamuela, HI          :27:12  22:40
  34 Ashley Hauanio            15 - 18    F Kailua Kona, HI      :27:17  22:44
  35 Malia Santos              11 - 14    F Kailua Kona, HI      :27:20  22:46
  36 Kelsey Christopher        19 - 24    F Kailua Kona, HI      :27:22  22:48
  37 Jim Budde                 60 - 64      Kamuela, HI          :27:23  22:49
  38 Geoff Whitener            15 - 18      Kailua Kona, HI      :27:34  22:58
  39 Steve Mcelrath            60 - 64      Kailua Kona, HI      :27:39  23:02
  40 Kelly Jernigan            15 - 18    F Kailua Kona, HI      :27:51  23:12
  41 Jason Gabriel             25 - 29      Kailua Kona, HI      :28:02  23:21
  42 Sarah Lee                 15 - 18    F Holualoa, HI         :28:16  23:33
  43 Shanti Manzano            30 - 34    F Oakland, CA          :28:21  23:37
  44 Cara Jernigan             11 - 14    F Kailua Kona, HI      :29:02  24:11
  45 Craig Franz               55 - 59      Narragansett, RI     :29:17  24:24
  46 Paul Carney               50 - 54      Waikoloa, HI         :29:18  24:25
  47 Tom Hagen                 55 - 59      Kamuela, HI          :29:19  24:25
  48 Kara Paulachak            11 - 14    F Hilo, HI             :29:20  24:26
  49 Loren Lindborg            25 - 29      Kailua Kona, HI      :29:21  24:27
  50 Richard Ritter            50 - 54      Waikoloa, HI         :29:22  24:28
  51 David Rietow              65 - 69      Kamuela, HI          :29:24  24:30
  52 Stephanie Boeckmann       19 - 24    F Kailua Kona, HI      :29:32  24:36
  53 Nicole Paulachak          15 - 18    F Hilo, HI             :29:37  24:40
  54 Ed Wetherell              35 - 39      Waikoloa, HI         :29:39  24:42
  55 Lindsay Resetnikov        30 - 34    F                      :29:42  24:45
  56 Nicki Enos                40 - 44    F Kailua Kona, HI      :29:48  24:50
  57 Joy Mills-Cole            35 - 39    F Waikoloa, HI         :29:55  24:55
  58 Anthony Ganuelas          15 - 18      Kealakekua, HI       :29:57  24:57
  59 Chris Kathe               50 - 54      Kailua Kona, HI      :30:19  25:15
  60 Dale Fediuk               30 - 34      Kailua Kona, HI      :30:21  25:17
  61 Dane Enos                 50 - 54      Kailua Kona, HI      :30:26  25:21
  62 Lisa Youngs               45 - 49    F Kailua Kona, HI      :30:29  25:24
  63 Penn Henderson            35 - 39      Kailua Kona, HI      :30:39  25:32
  64 Rob Walters               55 - 59      Holualoa, HI         :30:41  25:34
  65 Chandler Nacino           19 - 24      Kailua Kona, HI      :30:44  25:36
  66 Kaeti Ecker               60 - 64    F Kailua Kona, HI      :30:48  25:40
  67 Parker Boeckmann          11 - 14      Kailua-Kona, HI      :30:50  25:41
  68 Dani Rischall             19 - 24    F Washington, DC       :30:52  25:43
  69 Mary Spears               50 - 54    F Kamuela, HI          :31:04  25:53
  70 Dave Fediuk               30 - 34      Kailua Kona, HI      :31:24  26:10
  71 Antonita Villa            40 - 44    F Holualoa, HI         :31:35  26:19
  72 Lyung Yu                  35 - 39      Kailua Kona, HI      :31:40  26:23
  73 Ken Fish                  40 - 44      Kailua Kona, HI      :31:43  26:25
  74 Dan Johnson               35 - 39      Placentia, CA        :31:44  26:26
  75 Bob Smith                 65 - 69      Kailua Kona, HI      :31:54  26:35
  76 Lisa Parsell              50 - 54    F Kailua Kona, HI      :31:58  26:38
  77 Rani Tanimoto             30 - 34    F Kealakekua, HI       :32:01  26:40
  78 Robert Puaokalani         50 - 54      Kailua Kona, HI      :32:03  26:42
  79 Alexandrea Euchoff        19 - 24    F Kailua Kona, HI      :32:06  26:45
  80 Marc Saks                 45 - 49      Kailua Kona, HI      :32:18  26:55
  81 Craig Leeper              55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :32:23  26:59
  82 Randy Wrighthouse         50 - 54      Kailua Kona, HI      :32:27  27:02
  83 David Ayau                45 - 49      Kailua Kona, HI      :32:41  27:14
  84 Chenoa Jesser             11 - 14    F Kailua Kona, HI      :32:42  27:15
  85 Sean Jesser               11 - 14      Kailua Kona, HI      :32:44  27:16
  86 Roberta Hickman           55 - 59    F Ocean View, HI       :32:44  27:16
  87 Carol Elliott             70 & Over  F Kailua Kona, HI      :32:45  27:17
  88 Becky Aegler              35 - 39    F Kailua Kona, HI      :32:46  27:18
  89 Warren Hollinger          40 - 44      Kailua Kona, HI      :32:48  27:20
  90 Jes-Al Kalua'u            11 - 14    F Kailua Kona, HI      :32:50  27:21
  91 Sandra Kimball            40 - 44    F Holualoa, HI         :32:51  27:22
  92 Naomi Jefferson           15 - 18    F Hollis, NH           :32:53  27:24
  93 Reiko Sekine              50 - 54    F Kailua Kona, HI      :32:56  27:26
  94 Angela Sugar              19 - 24    F Washington, DC       :32:57  27:27
  95 Peaman                    45 - 49      Kailua Kona, HI      :32:59  27:29
  96 Chris Owens               50 - 54      Hilo, HI             :33:01  27:30
  97 Bill Sakovich             65 - 69      Hilo, HI             :33:04  27:33
  98 Pamela Harlow             45 - 49    F Waikoloa, HI         :33:06  27:35
  99 Bill Greineisen           55 - 59      Volcano, HI          :33:08  27:36
 100 Jon Morris                25 - 29      Kailua Kona, HI      :33:09  27:37
 101 Denise Boatwright         50 - 54    F Kailua Kona, HI      :33:10  27:38
 102 Daniel Jesser             55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :33:11  27:39
 103 Darren Stieff             40 - 44      Valencia, CA         :33:21  27:47
 104 Jessica Rodinson          25 - 29    F Waikoloa, HI         :33:24  27:50
 105 Kym Kiser                 35 - 39    F Kailua Kona, HI      :33:26  27:51
 106 Sarah Egan                35 - 39    F Kailua Kona, HI      :33:49  28:10
 107 Annamari Fuls             30 - 34    F Kailua Kona, HI      :34:00  28:20
 108 Douglas Dierenfield       60 - 64      Kailua Kona, HI      :34:06  28:25
 109 Dave Old                  45 - 49      Kailua-Kona, HI      :34:16  28:33
 110 Taylor Doherty            10 & Under F Waikoloa, HI         :34:27  28:42
 111 David Casas               35 - 39      Kailua Kona, HI      :34:32  28:46
 112 Patti Kiernan             55 - 59    F Kailua Kona, HI      :34:38  28:51
 113 Lehua Wau                 15 - 18    F Kealakekua, HI       :34:41  28:54
 114 William Taylor            60 - 64      Kealakekua, HI       :34:45  28:57
 115 Katie Jefferson           11 - 14    F Hollis, NH           :34:46  28:58
 116 Rob Van Geen              45 - 49      Waikoloa, HI         :34:48  29:00
 117 Robyn Debenedet           19 - 24    F Kailua Kona, HI      :34:50  29:01
 118 Peter Jefferson           50 - 54      Hollis, NH           :34:52  29:03
 119 Matt Katose               19 - 24      Kailua Kona, HI      :34:57  29:07
 120 Yuki Zbytovsky            11 - 14    F Hawi, HI             :35:14  29:21
 121 Laurie Beers              55 - 59    F Kailua Kona, HI      :35:17  29:24
 122 Donna Goodale             55 - 59    F Kailua Kona, HI      :35:19  29:25
 123 Jennifer Gonzales         35 - 39    F Kamuela, HI          :35:37  29:40
 124 Susan Nixon               40 - 44    F Kamuela, HI          :35:38  29:41
 125 Cory McCord               19 - 24      Kailua-Kona, HI      :35:40  29:43
 126 Bianca Basso              19 - 24    F Waimea, HI           :35:40  29:43
 127 Alohi Nakachi             15 - 18    F Kailua Kona, HI      :35:41  29:44
 128 Max Barreto               15 - 18      Kamuela, HI          :35:44  29:46
 129 Jackson Hofmann           55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :35:45  29:47
 130 Jeanette Vidgen           45 - 49    F Kailua Kona, HI      :35:47  29:49
 131 Pam Miller                50 - 54    F Kailua Kona, HI      :35:48  29:50
 132 Dane Decker               60 - 64      Kailua Kona, HI      :35:48  29:50
 133 Lopaka                    55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :35:50  29:51
 134 Cindy Morse               50 - 54    F Kamuela, HI          :35:52  29:53
 135 Keawe Liu                 35 - 39      Kamuela, HI          :35:54  29:55
 136 Lucas Myers               19 - 24      Kailua Kona, HI      :36:00  30:00
 137 Wendy Minor               60 - 64    F Kamuela, HI          :36:10  30:08
 138 Pablo Herrera             25 - 29      Oakland, CA          :36:20  30:16
 139 Jeff Dietrichson          45 - 49      Kailua Kona, HI      :36:36  30:30
 140 Debra Ardoff              45 - 49    F Kamuela, HI          :36:38  30:31
 141 Karen Hand                50 - 54    F Kailua-Kona, HI      :36:41  30:34
 142 Enoch Freire              40 - 44      Kailua Kona, HI      :36:52  30:43
 143 John Gapp                 50 - 54      Pahoa, HI            :37:17  31:04
 144 Rob Lafontaine            19 - 24      Kailua Kona, HI      :37:41  31:24
 145 Star Lockwood             55 - 59    F Kamuela, HI          :37:51  31:32
 146 Julie Peerson             40 - 44    F Live Oak, FL         :37:52  31:33
 147 Rick Rubio                55 - 59      Kailua-Kona, HI      :37:54  31:35
 148 Monica Scheel             40 - 44    F Kailua Kona, HI      :37:57  31:37
 149 Tyler Peerson             15 - 18    F Live Oak, FL         :37:59  31:39
 150 Todd James                35 - 39      Fontana, CA          :38:27  32:02
 151 Jill Justice              45 - 49    F Kamuela, HI          :38:32  32:06
 152 Fred Uno                  55 - 59      Los Angeles, CA      :38:51  32:22
 153 Michael Woodbury          60 - 64      Kailua-Kona, HI      :38:53  32:24
 154 Wendy Deweese             40 - 44    F Kailua Kona, HI      :38:56  32:26
 155 Jan Wilson                55 - 59    F Kurtistown, HI       :39:10  32:38
 156 Christina Williams        40 - 44    F Kamuela, HI          :39:13  32:40
 157 Jeffrey King              50 - 54      Kailua Kona, HI      :39:15  32:42
 158 Danielle Bunnell          40 - 44    F Kailua Kona, HI      :39:18  32:45
 159 JD Devins                 55 - 59      Hawi, HI             :39:21  32:47
 160 Tina Rossman              25 - 29    F Kailua Kona, HI      :39:23  32:49
 161 Dani Ho                   35 - 39    F Captain Cook, HI     :39:33  32:57
 162 Christine Wang            55 - 59    F Kailua Kona, HI      :39:51  33:12
 163 Mo Mathews                70 & Over    Honakaa, HI          :39:58  33:18
 164 Bill Stockton             55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :40:08  33:26
 165 Tiapepe Ulufaleilupe      35 - 39    F Kailua Kona, HI      :40:49  34:00
 166 Kassandra Killian         19 - 24    F Pahoa, HI            :41:02  34:11
 167 Jordan Hill               25 - 29      Kailua Kona, HI      :41:22  34:28
 168 Brendan Leonard           25 - 29      San Francisco, CA    :41:23  34:29
 169 Lambert Lee Loy           55 - 59      Kailua-Kona, HI      :41:26  34:31
 170 Julie Barreto             50 - 54    F Kamuela, HI          :41:35  34:39
 171 Susan Lalanne             65 - 69    F Kailua Kona, HI      :41:39  34:42
 172 Dianne Donohue            60 - 64    F Kailua Kona, HI      :41:43  34:45
 173 Gene Turtle Power         55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :41:57  34:57
 174 Maureen Gapp              40 - 44    F Pahoa, HI            :42:46  35:38
 175 Gary Hammond              55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :43:01  35:50
 176 Bob Laird                 65 - 69      Captain Cook, HI     :43:13  36:00
 177 Michael Traub             55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :43:17  36:04
 178 Alison Ryan               19 - 24    F Kailua Kona, HI      :43:19  36:05
 179 Leanne Pletcher           45 - 49    F Kailua Kona, HI      :43:21  36:07
 180 Katherine Donovan         55 - 59    F Waikoloa, HI         :43:23  36:09
 181 Frances Marion            25 - 29    F Washington, DC       :43:28  36:13
 182 Mary Laird                50 - 54    F Captain Cook, HI     :43:30  36:15
 183 Linda Greentree           45 - 49    F Kailua Kona, HI      :43:34  36:18
 184 Andrew Pope               40 - 44      Kailua Kona, HI      :43:40  36:23
 185 Stephen Denzer            55 - 59      Captain Cook, HI     :43:47  36:29
 186 Debbie Baker              55 - 59    F Kailua Kona, HI      :43:49  36:30
 187 Summerly Morton           10 & Under F Kailua Kona, HI      :43:51  36:32
 188 Jade Morton               15 - 18    F Kailua Kona, HI      :43:52  36:33
 189 Jeff Orr                  30 - 34      Kailua Kona, HI      :44:18  36:55
 190 Vicki Brasher             45 - 49    F Kailua Kona, HI      :45:20  37:46
 191 Warren Harlow             70 & Over    Haleiwa, HI          :45:27  37:52
 192 Vicki Pendergrass         50 - 54    F Kailua Kona, HI      :45:52  38:13
 193 Chris Knodel              30 - 34      Springboro, OH       :46:25  38:40
 194 Linny Vermeire            60 - 64    F Kailua Kona, HI      :47:01  39:10
 195 Tom Finney                55 - 59      Kailua Kona, HI      :47:02  39:11
 196 Toni Reynolds             45 - 49    F Kailua Kona, HI      :48:11  40:09
 197 Raul Ramirez              40 - 44      Kailua Kona, HI      :48:25  40:20
 198 Cathy Ogino-Williams      50 - 54    F Hilo, HI             :49:21  41:07
 199 Paul Patnode              65 - 69      Volcano, HI          :53:11  44:19
 200 Morgen Bahurinsky         60 - 64    F Hilo, HI             :55:42  46:25
 201 Christy Luce              45 - 49    F Honokaa, HI         1:08:49  57:20
 202 Virginia Isbell           70 & Over  F Kealakekua, HI      1:19:11  65:59

The spring sports season is underway and practices begin Wednesday, Feb. 4 for Special Olympics West Hawaii participants. 

* Softball and T-Ball are 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at the Old Kona Airport Park’s baseball field.

* Swimming is 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at the Kona Community Aquatic Center.

* Powerlifting is 5:15-6:15 p.m. Wednesdays and 10-11 a.m. Saturdays at The Club at Kona.

* Track and Field is 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at Kealakehe High School’s track. 

SOWH athletes can participate in two sports. Anyone interested in competing or volunteering should sign-up by e-mailing KC Strand, SOWH volunteer coordinator, at zionvideos@yahoo.com. Or contact Lona Warner, SOWH head of delegation, at 989-2080, 327-0491, or biglona@hotmail.com. 

SOWH is a year-round program of sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit www.sowh.org.

MEDIA RELEASE

Aquatic Edge and the county Parks and Recreation will host the 1st ever Boxing Day International Invitational Short Course Yards meet Friday, Dec. 26 at Kona Community Aquatic Center. Warm up starts at 2 p.m., and the meet will begin at 3 p.m.

Competing in this event will be Masters swimmers visiting from Australia and Switzerland.

Races in all strokes and the medley will be offered in distances ranging between 50 yards and 1,650 yards. No experience is needed to participate in this fun and casual meet – beginners are welcome to attend.

A donation of $5 per swimmer per event will be accepted. Swimmers are limited to five individual events. All swimmers must be 18 or over and hold a 2008 United States Masters Swimming registration card. Swimmers who do not have a current USMS card, may register for the 2009 year at the meet for a fee of $35.

USMS rules govern the competition including the no false start rule. However, failure to act in a safe or sportsman-like manner or to cooperate with the officials may result in disqualification from the meet.

— Find out more:
Aquatic Edge
Web site: www.aquaticedge.org
E-mail: aquaticedge@hawaii.rr….
Contact: Eric Neilsen at 331-1766.

Oh, and in case you are still scratching your head over the ‘Boxing Day’ reference:

It is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as many other members of the Commonwealth of Nations and Greece. It is based on the tradition of giving gifts (and leftovers from the Christmas feast) to the less fortunate members of society and household staff, according to Wikipedia. Sort of an old-style Christmas bonus.