Special Olympics Hawai‘i Athletes Head to National Competition

Seventeen athletes from throughout the state, including the Big Island, are headed to the mainland to participate in a national competition.

“It’s a dream for any athlete to represent their state on a national playing field. And this month, 17 Special Olympics Hawai‘i athletes and five Unified Partners from around Hawai‘i will do just that as they take off for Orlando, Fla., to compete in the Special Olympics 2022 USA National Games,” an email from Special Olympics Hawai‘i said.

These athletes hail from O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui and the Big Island and were selected from among 3,400 participants statewide to compete in the eight-day competition. They join more than 3,500 Special Olympics athletes from throughout the country who will compete from June 5-12 in bocce, bowling, powerlifting and swimming, as well as youth leadership programs.

The Special Olympics USA Games celebrate the Special Olympics movement while promoting the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport and highlighting the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The cost to send one Special Olympics Hawai‘i athlete to the national competition is more than $2,500. To help offset the cost, donations are being accepted. To offer your support, click here.