Big Island police officers and Special Olympics athletes and volunteers raised more than $20,000 to support local Special Olympians during the annual Cop on Top event held Sept. 28 to 30 in Kailua-Kona.
In all, $20,150 was raised during the three-day fundraiser, said Special Olympics West Hawaii Area Director Sandie DelaCruz, who took over the nonprofit’s operations Sept. 1. The goal was to raise $15,000, she said.
With the $20,000-plus, DelaCruz said all 25 athletes, and 17 volunteers and coaches would be able to attend state games on Oahu. The organization will also be able to purchase uniforms, T-shirts and equipment.
“It is just wonderful that everyone can go,” she said, noting in prior years the organization has had to limit the number athletes taking part in state games. “This event is the highlight of their season.”
All money raised during the event supports athletes who participate in Special Olympics West Hawaii, which spans Kohala, Kona and Ka‘u, DelaCruz said. It helps cover the cost of equipment, training and certifying coaches, and traveling to compete on the other islands.
The organization’s annual budget runs about $40,000 to $50,000, making the Cop on Top, Fueling Dreams and the Barboza Torch Run fundraisers important.
Special Olympics, modeled after the Olympic Games, provides year-round training and competitive sports for physically or mentally challenged athletes. Teams compete in games on the Big Island and Maui to qualify for state games on Oahu, where Special Olympics athletes compete for medals.
For more information, to donate, volunteer or participate,visit sowh.org, call Sandie at 987-5057 or email her at sowhsandie@gmail.com
