Special Olympics West Hawaii Wins 46 Medals

You could tell by the exuberance and energy at Club Pearl in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam that it was a special weekend for Special Olympics athletes.

Hundreds of athletes, coaches and unified partners from around the state converged on the military base Saturday evening for the Holiday Classic Awards Ceremony.

Festivities kicked off with the Navy Band Color Guard’s National Anthem and Hawaii Ponoi followed by introduction of delegates.

Awards were presented to various individuals and teams including an Outstanding Media award for West Hawaii Today photographer Laura Ruminski for her dedication in covering West Hawaii Special Olympics events.

Once ceremonies were complete, athletes took to the dance floor and boogied the night away.

Bowling, bocce and basketball tournaments were held Saturday and Sunday at the installation and Marine Corp Base at Kaneohe.

The West Hawaii delegation brought home 46 medals.

Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Special Olympics Hawaii has grown to serve more than 4,700 athletes and unified partners on every island in our state.

“West Hawaii Special Olympics is an outstanding organization making an impact in so many lives, it’s an honor to highlight what they do,” West Hawaii Today editor Tom Hasslinger said. “We’re especially grateful and humbled by Laura’s award and it’ll be a pleasure continuing to cover all that they do.”