End of the season SOEastHI events

12.14.13

Our morning began with our end of the year YAP Inclusionary Play Day at Kea'au Elementary School. We had about 13 young athletes, their partners and their families participate in organized activities and free play stations. Organized activities allowed young athletes to practice fine and gross motor skills. The second half of the morning allowed young athletes to select free play activities that enticed them.  Station activities included plasma cars, scooters and trikes, roller coaster rides and even a jumpolene.

Organized activities focus of fine and gross motor skills

Free play stations include roller coaster, plasma cars and slides

Middle and high schools students from around Hilo volunteered at today's event and worked one on one with the young athletes to provide a more focused and dedicated approach to all learning activities. After awards were given out, the young athletes were treated like celebrities as volunteers asked for photo opportunities.  

Young and happy athletes

At the end of the day, athletes, with goodie bag in hand, left with evidence of a little perspiration stuck to their faces and a big smile.  Likewise, volunteers donned smiles and left feeling inspired.  Mahalo to all our volunteers for taking time out of your weekend to share in some fun and exercise with our Young Athletes.

Volunteers still smiling at the end of the day
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East Hawaii had a very successful Winter Sports Season and for that we celebrated with a Holiday Pāʻina sponsored by Mr. Kaleo Evans and his ʻohana.  Athletes and their families were treated like royalty with dinner, drinks and dessert served to them.  Dinner was followed by Area Awards and once that was done, athletes hit the dance floor.  Dancing was interrupted by prize give-aways for everyone in the room and a game of musical chairs.  We wish all athletes and their families a safe and memorable holiday season.

East Hawaii athletes and families gather for a Holiday Pāʻina

Aukake Games season starts in January.  Contact your Head of Delegation for more information.

Ringing in the New Area Director

Aloha!  As the season of giving thanks and spreading holiday cheer approaches and as i prepare to serve as the Area Director for East Hawaii, i am thankful for this opportunity to meet and work with some of the most talented, gifted and brilliant athletes on the Big Island.  i am truly humbled and blessed to carry out this great kuleana (responsibility and duty) and  i look forward to meeting all the athletes, their families, their limahana (PAs, Caretakers, extended family) and all event supporters and volunteers in the coming year.

As i look to all that Ke Akua will bless us with in 2014, i want to share this ʻōlelo noʻeau with you, along with my commitment to move our program forward: "Hoʻomoe wai kāhi ke kāoʻo" (Let all travel together like water flowing in one direction).  It is with aloha and pono (uprightness, proper, goodness) that i request from all of you to take some time, reflect on all that you have been given and work to move forward in our Special Olympics East Hawaii ʻohana so that our athletes remain at the forefront at all times.  Support each other,  live the mission and be pono!

Wishing you and your family the greatest of blessings this holiday season!

L-R: David, Lisa and daughter Molimau

Lisa Pana, Area Director

Special Olympics East Hawaii

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