Hilo Special Olympian Wins Silver in 400-Meter Run

A Hilo man was among 10 athletes from Hawaii awarded medals today during Day 2 of the Special Olympics USA Games being held in New Jersey.

Kalani Gonsalves, 24, earned a silver medal in the men’s 400-meter run.

Gonsalves, who has competed in Special Olympics for 12 years, also competed in the shot put preliminary round today.

Daylan Toribio competing today in the shot put.

The dozen members of the Hawaii contingent to the games include Daylan Toribio of Kurtistown.

Collectively known as Hui O Hawai`i, the Hawaii athletes today earned a total of 11 medals. That included five gold medals in swimming – two by Nicole Inouye of Kaneohe, Oahu – a gold and silver in track, and four silver medals for men’s and women’s bocce ball.

Reyse Sakima of Honolulu brought home the other track and field medal, a gold in the 1,500-meter run.

Toribio today competed in the men’s 100-meter and shot put prelims.

Kalani Gonsalves after leaving the podium with his silver medal.

Other Hawaii swimmers bringing home the gold today were Michelle Shanahan of Honolulu in the 25-yard backstroke, Fae Torres of Maui in the 200-yard freestyle and Nikilani Rojas of Maui in the 50-yard breaststroke.

The members of Hui O Hawai`i were chosen from among 3,200 participants statewide.

The games conclude on Saturday, June 21.