Sign up for ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima’s inclusive canoe race by April 28

The deadline to register for the 3rd Annual King Kamehameha’s Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race in Hilo is fast approaching.

“The race was created to give individuals with all levels of disabilities an opportunity to learn about such a tremendous part of Hawaiian history and culture and be part of such an important sport here in the islands,” according to an ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima statement. “This is the first regatta in the island created specifically to show that there are NO LIMITATIONS to what our Athletes can do!”

‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima is a non-profit canoe club based in Hilo created to provide opportunities to individuals with all levels of disabilities and skill levels to learn how to canoe paddle in a safe and welcoming team environment.

Registration for the June 2 race closes April 28. The free event is open to athletes of all skill and ability levels. For more information, click here.

‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima’s second event this summer will be at the International Va’a Federation World Sprints, which are being held in Hilo for the first time in 20 years this August.

After months of discussion between the International Va’a Federation and the Hawai’i Canoe Racing Association, both organizations have agreed to allow ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima to co-host the first-ever exhibition race for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“The reason behind this exhibition came when we realized that the para division of the World Sprints had very stringent requirements limiting participants only to athletes with significant physical disabilities,” an ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima spokesperson said. “A large majority of the IDD community is left out and not allowed to participate in the World Sprints. Our Awesome Athletes race has shown that the IDD community is fully able to participate in this amazing sport and we wanted to showcase this on a national level.

“We are welcoming individuals with all levels of developmental disabilities from throughout the state, nation and world to join us in showcasing that there are no limits to what can be done in canoe paddling,” the spokesperson continued.

For more information about the International Va’a Federation World Sprints in Hilo, click here.