Kicking it with the Molokai Koamanas

Special Olympians prepare for Oahu games. 

 By Andres Madueno

Look out Oahu, because Molokai’s Koamana soccer team means business. Every Wednesday for the past several weeks, under the lights of Kaunakakai Baseball Park, the Koamana soccer team prepares for the upcoming Special Olympic Games in Oahu.

With big smiles and strong hearts, the Koamanas (“Strong Warriors”) play hard and work hard as the time for battle draws near.

The Koamana team includes players Tony Naki (team captain), Noel Motas, Ernest Kapu, Tommy Gelano, and twin brothers Christian and Chyen Walker.
“We’ve been practicing really hard, we really want to do good this year,” Motas said.

Christian and Chyen are an intimidating sight and force on the field. The twins have been with the program for about six years and are excited to be returning to the games.

The team has been practicing since late June and hopes that their hard work and determination will pay off in the end.

“We would just really like to thank the community soccer players for coming out and training with us and helping us with our skill development,” said coach Marry Igarta.

The Koamanas leave on Aug.15 for Oahu. Traveling with the Koamanas is the Bocce team, who will also be competing in this year’s Special Olympic Games.

The Special Olympic Games will take place on Aug. 16 and 17.