KAILUA-KONA — The “For Kona From Kona” 7-on-7 indoor soccer tournament wrapped up on Sunday at the hockey rink at Old Airport Park. The fourth edition of the tourney included 14 teams, mostly from Kona, getting together to help raise money for scholarships for graduated high school soccer players.
“We just wanted to raise startup scholarships for incoming college freshman or those that might be on the fence on whether they want to go to college or not,” said Summer Butindaro. “This scholarship gives them an opportunity to take a few classes right here in Hawaii and see if it is something they want to continue.”
The tournament typically raises enough funds for two $500 scholarships each year. To apply for one of the scholarships a person must play soccer and have graduated from a school on the west side of the Big Island.
What was originally scheduled as an annual event, the 7-on-7 indoor tournament has turned into a twice-a-year fundraiser due to popular demand by the players and their families.
“Hopefully now that we are doing two tournaments, we can grow and give out three to four scholarships,” Butindaro said.
The first tournament took place in 2013. In 2014, the event was canceled because there were no lights at the hockey arena, but last year the organizers made up for it by hosting two tournaments, one in July and one in December.
“A lot of people were requesting that we keep doing it and I think it is good because the parents and families like to come watch,” Butindaro said. “After high school, most players don’t get to play in college as much so it is a good time for them as well.”
Champions from each division — Kane, Wahine and Mixed — win a $150 dollar gift certificate to various local companies that support the tournament.
The next event will be in January. Anyone interested in playing soccer can participate.
“We hope to continue to build and make it even more of a family atmosphere,” Butindaro said. “We would also love to be able to expand the scholarship and make it two years to encourage the academic continuation.”