Photo By Jay Parco | Astrida Pesentheiner of Honolulu looks down as she descends the Sheraton Waikiki. She...... read more read more
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WAIKIKI, Hawaii — Approximately 100 Special Olympics supporters recently rappelled down the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, with a warm sun on their backs for a good cause.
The second annual “Over the Edge of Waikiki,” one of the biggest fundraisers for the organization that supports special needs athletes, raised more than $115,000 in donations.
“Our program is all about athletes pushing themselves past what they think they’re capable of,” said Kyle Karioka, development manager, Special Olympics Hawaii. “We thought [Over the Edge] was a good fit for our program and financially a success as well.”
Funds received from “Over the Edge of Waikiki” benefit the organization’s upcoming Holiday Classic event, which takes place at Marine Corps Base Hawaii and at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
“[Over the Edge] ran very smoothly and we continue to get great participation,” said Dan Epstein, vice president of sports, Special Olympics Hawaii.
Service members volunteered for the Oct. 15 event, like Marine Staff Sgt. Matt Weber, geospacial intelligence specialist, Joint Intelligence Operation Center. Weber, who has been volunteering for Special Olympics for two years, helped fasten harnesses to those rappelling.
The Swanton, Ohio, native said he believes Special Olympics to be a “worthy cause.”
“The events are always fun,” he said.
Weber has volunteered for previous Special Olympics events such as the Fall Classics, and Cop on Top. He has helped escort the athletes to their designated competing areas, and helped organize them for award presentations. In working with the athletes, Weber was able to interact with them as well.
“Every time I meet any one of them, I’m moved,” he said. “They all have their own story and they’re excited to tell it.”
The most rewarding part is seeing how happy and excited the athletes are to participate in the games, Weber explained.
“You can definitely tell it’s something they look forward to,” he said.
Special Olympics Hawaii supports more than 2,000 athletes each year. Karioka said Special Olympics provides an outlet for special needs athletes to compete in sports, and at the same time acquire friendships and socialize.
In December, the Holiday Classic brings together 1,200 coaches and athletes in addition to 1,500 volunteers. Events include basketball, bowling and bocce ball games.
In addition to having many military volunteers, Epstein said military bases are ideal for the event because they can accommodate the athletes in their facilities.
“[The Holiday Classic is] a huge highlight for our athletes,” Epstein said. “It’s the culmination of the season they’ve been working really hard for. “We’re looking forward to another successful year in our partnership with K-Bay.”
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.29.2010 16:49 |
| Story ID: | 59091 |
| Location: | WAIKIKI, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
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