LavaKids Family Fun Runs
On Saturday LavaKids will host it’s Family Fun Runs at 7 a.m. on Ane Keohokalole Highway between Palani Road and Kealakehe High School. Look for the LavaMan flags on the mauka side of the road. This is a free event and open to all ages.
The guest speaker this month will be Gordon Dong, a physical therapist and co-owner of Club Rehab. Dong will speak about how to avoid running injuries and how to take care of injuries if you do get injured.
Registration will take place at 7 a.m. followed by a keiki dash at 7:45 a.m.. The one-mile and two-mile run/walk will begin at 7:55 a.m. with the 5k run/walk right after. This event is open to both keiki and adults. Games and supervision will be provided for keiki during the 5k for parents wanting to participate.
Preregister at lavakids.org for extra chances to win raffle for prizes. For more information visit lavakids.org or contact Mercedes at cedes.decarli@gmail.com.
Kupuna Softball Tournament
Tsunao Taketa of the Kona Warriors will be honored at a ceremony Saturday at the Kupuna Softball preseason tournament at Victor Stadium in Hilo. The two-day event is billed as a fundraiser and hosted by the Hui Aumakua youth organization. Proceeds from the tournament entry fees and concession will help defray expenses for Hui Aumakua’s Bronco (11-12 years) baseball team planning to participate in a week-long tournament in Cooperstown, New York in June.
Taketa, who recently turned 90 years of age, is the oldest active player in the Hawaii Kupuna Softball League comprised of 26 teams from around the Big Island. The 11-team weekend play is billed as a warm up for the upcoming regular kupuna season set to open on Jan. 23.
Besides the Kona Warriors, other teams slated to play are Hilo Pomaikai, Honomu, Junk Yard Dogs, Friends, Kuikahi, Punatics, Tsunami, Puu Wai Opio, Kua Aina, and Onomea Rangers. Games both days start at 8:30 a.m. The ceremony will take place at 10.
For more information call Andy at 989-0962.
Kona Aquatics team tryouts
Kona Aquatics will be have swim team tryouts for interested swimmers ages 7-11.
Interested athletes can show up any day at the Kona Aquatic Center and seek out coach Steve Borowski. More more information, contact Borowski at 334-0083.
BIIF looking for water polo officials
The BIIF is looking for people interested in becoming water polo officials for the upcoming season.
Some background in water polo is important and we will be offering some training. If interested contact Alan Vogt at 960-2809 or by email alan_vogt@notes.K12.hi.us.
Keaau looking for volleyball coach
Keaau High School is currently accepting applications for a head boys/girls volleyball coach. Applications will be accepted starting today.
All applicants must be willing and able to pass a criminal background check and be interviewed by a select panel.
Applications can be picked up and returned to the Keaau High School main office during regular business hours. Last date to accept applications will be Jan. 20th by the end of business day.
For more information, please contact the athletic office at 313-3450. Keaau High School is an equal opportunity employer.
Big Island Running Company offers training program
Spring time on the Big Island brings three of the most popular races of the year: The Run for Hops, The Big Island International Marathon, and the Lavaman Triathlon. To help athletes prepare, Big Island Running Company is offering a free training program for intermediate-level runners.
The eight-week program is designed to help runners improve race times in the 5K, 10K, half, and full marathon distances of these races. The program begins Jan 12 at 5 p.m., with an introduction and a two-mile trial run to determine the pace at which each runner will train. At the conclusion of the program, run another two miler to gauge our progress.
In between will be workouts designed to increase cadence (the rate a runners feet strike the ground), leg strength, and cardiovascular efficiency (V02 max). The program is free and open to all athletes with some running experience, from either training for a race or running for general fitness.
To participate, head to Big Island Running Company on Alii Drive Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. Wear running clothes and watch, if you have one.
For questions, contact Melissa Braswell, melissa@bigislandrunningcompany.com or John Ferdico, john@bigislandrunningcompany.com, or call the store at 327-9333.
Elks Hoop Shoot Competition
All free throw shooters — boys and girls from 8 to 13, are invited to Kekuaokalani Gym on Saturday for a free throw competition.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. with competition at 10 a.m. Age groups are: 8-9; 10-11; and 12-13. Trophies for first and second places in each group with separate competition for boys and girls.
Each contestant gets 25 shots at the hoop from the free throw line (the 8-9 year age group shoot from four-feet in front of the line and with the smaller ball) with 15 additional shots if tie breaker needed.
All youngsters who reside in West Hawaii are invited to participate. It is not necessary to sign up in advance, just come to the gym and compete — there is no cost. For questions call Joe Reynolds at 334-0077.
Emily T. Gail Show
Joe Reynolds, Chair of the Elks National Hoop Shoot Competition since 1987, shares stories about the Free Throw Shooters competition and also some stories about his life in LA and Hawaii as a high school, college and semipro referee and officiating instructor.
Tania Howard, of the Waimea Ocean Film Festival, talks about some of the films and special events featured at the film festival which continues through this Friday at the Four Season Resort Hualalai.
The Emily T Gail Show is available at espnhawaii.com, free iTunes podcast and facebook.com/Emily T Gail. For information contact Gail at 896-6780 or emilytgail@emilys.org.
