Sports

Challenge on the Open Seas

Monday, July 21st, 2008

By Zalina Alvi

Looking for a challenge? How about racing from Maui to Molokai for charity?

On Aug. 30, Youth in Motion is presenting the Molokai Challenge 2008. Contestants will have to travel the 15 miles from Maui to Molokai in any non-motorized craft, which applies to windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailboats with or without kits, canoes with kites, outrigger canoes, one-man canoes, paddle boards, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and many others.

The teams will be split up into divisions, with adults, adults with at least one youth under 18 years, youth (all under 18 years), and the Cruising Class for those who are only fundraising and not competing.

Each team will raise money and 50 percent of the funds raised above the entry fee will go to a community fund on Molokai and be distributed to Molokai youth groups. The other half will go to a charity of the team’s choice.

In return, prizes and a challenge await those who participate. With the cost of entering - $135 until May, and $150 after that – everyone will also get a ferry back to Maui, transfers and shuttles on Molokai, a barge will ship al their clothes and equipment to and from Maui, an event jersey and a ticket to the Awards Banquet.

Help is still needed with securing sponsors and publicity, organizing on the two islands and to chair the individual divisions. To help out or to register, contact Clare at 553-4227, 336-0946 or clare@molokai-outdoors.com. You can also go to www.molokaichallenge.com for more information.

Keiki Hit the Waves

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

Keiki Surf Meet brings out young and old to catch some waves for second round of competition

By Patrick Mason

The second round of the triple crown-style keiki surf competition took place during another beautiful day of surf. Despite the high tide and less than desirable conditions, the keiki were there early, eager and excited as they practiced before their heats for the 19th year of the competition.

“The competition started with parents coming together to get their children out there and surf. It started as a community-oriented event and has remained that way even after the competition steering committee was formed. All the people involved are dedicated volunteers,” organizer Peter Angelsea said.
 
As Wanette Lee watched her niece and nephew catch some waves, she discussed the importance of the event. “This year there are more kids, especially local kids. It is a perfect event and great to see families coming together.” Her son Warren takes about 15 kids once a week to practice surfing.

 “The event is really good, as it inspires outdoor activities. The exercise is the most important thing, and so is keeping Molokai, Molokai,” added Phillip Kikukawa, a 7th and 8th grade teacher at Molokai Middle School.

Kikukawa has been surfing for 30 years, and has had two kids involved with the competition during the past four years.

Seven-year-old Michelle McGuire, who competed in the 5th heat of the 7- and 8-year-old division, commented on the day with, “Surfing is fun, although the high tide made it hard today. I like to paddle out and try to catch waves. I try to do spin and jump tricks mainly. Many of my friends surf, but I would like to see more come to the contest.”

The format of the competition consists of riders earning points throughout the surf series. There are four divisions: six and under, seven to eight, nine to ten, and eleven to twelve.

Riders who show up to each competition day potentially earn more points than those who miss out on one. Each heat was 10 minutes, and the number of heats per age group varied on the number of riders entered.

Next up, the results of each preliminary conclude and the semifinals begin, followed by the finals.

 “The format is meant to be static as an attempt to keep it familiar for kids, parents, and volunteers,” Angelsea said.

Judges scored riders on whether they could catch their own waves or had help from a parent, if there were any tricks pulled (spins, sitting, standing, Buddha, cockroach, walking up and down on their board, etc.), and were deducted points for interfering with another rider. The best three rides of each rider were judged and scored.

There are three judges at a time with others ready to rotate in for relief.

“The role of the judges is hectic. You have to watch and score people simultaneously, even if there are five riders dropping in at the same time,” said Angelsea.

“Their help is greatly appreciated,” he said of the Friendly Isle United Way, who has been generous in providing grant money for the competition.

When all was said and done, many people enjoyed the sense of community invoked by the competition for the keiki. A rain shower resulted in a few people leaving, but the riders and many of their families remained in the surf. The final event of the series will tally all of the riders’ points. Afterwards, goodies and awards will be given out during a potluck.

Molokai Girls Volleyball Finishes on Top

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

The girls of Kime Ka La outplayed 16 teams to capture the gold medal at the Aloha State Games Women’s B division on June 29. 

By Kimberly Helm 

June turned out to be a winning month for the Molokai Girls Volleyball Club. Playing on Oahu, which hosts the largest club region in the state, Kime Ka La came out on top in two of the three largest, most competitive and highly respected tournaments in the state.

On June 7 to 9, the club played in two competitive Aloha Region Juniors Tournaments. On the first day's tournament, the club experienced high caliber competition, playing against some of the toughest 18's club teams in the state. Although the club did not make it to the top pool, it stayed competitive throughout the tournament. The second day's tournament was an open junior’s tournament that also included two boys’ teams. Kime Ka La went on to win the tournament with a perfect record of 6-0.

With only a week to prepare, the club returned to Oahu on June 20 to 22 to compete in the Aloha State Games Women's A Division. The division featured current and past collegiate club players. Pool play merged the A division with the open division and the club quickly realized that these women could still play at a very high level. Kime Ka La went on to capture the bronze medal.

The club returned to Molokai for three days of practice and returned to Oahu to compete in their final club tournament on June 27 and 29. The Aloha State Games Women's B division featured 16 teams from across the state. Being that the club is the defending Haili Women's B champions, Kime Ka La's youthful club was the target for teams to beat. After placing second (5-1) in the first day of pool play, Kime Ka La was ready to step up to the challenge in the second day of competition. The team returned to the tournament and played flawless to complete pool play at 6-0, finishing 25-15 in the final to win the gold medal.

Earning the respect in the world of club volleyball is not an easy task and these girls faced the challenge and represented their community of Molokai with humility, dignity and pride. The club members gained meaningful learning experiences that will prepare them well for high school and college competition.

On behalf of the club, coaches Kim Helm and Cheryl Ramos would like to thank the many people and organizations who have made donations, supported their fundraisers and made the time to help them prepare for their season.

“Our successful season reflects the positive environment our girls have had the privilege to be surrounded by,” said Helm.

To Julyn, Alana and the Kaupu Ohana thank you for your wonderful hospitality, you gave us a home away from home (Yah Pearl City!). We would like to thank our parents & families for supporting our philosophies of hard work, respect, discipline and dedication. Thank you for being so understanding and supportive of our passion for the game of volleyball.

Dana, Becky, Darren, Ross & Gramps Takashima Steve, Kulia, Lihau & Kamalu Keliikuli-Peters Va'ai, Naomi & Jericho (Uso) Seumalo Tiare, Tom, Keola, Nanea & Kamaki Ritte-Manangan Michael, Mele, Mikey, & Tristian Hooper Maria, Larry, Melani, Hale, Mahea, Buddy, & Kolu Rawlins Kathy & Walter Mendes Shane, Puanani, La'a, Kea, & Pueo Surmanap Jim Boy & Jalyn Duvauchelle Scarlett, Ka'o, & Da TItas Ritte-Camara Dan, Cheryl, Amber & Michael Sterner Bill, Esther, Braddahs & Sistahs Torres-Umi Tammy, Norman, Tiana, Taupou, & Kaili Levi

Your daughters are a true reflection of careful parenting, unconditional love and pure heart! We are truly and sincerely thankful! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Keiki Riding High

Monday, June 30th, 2008

Island youth tear it up on East End.