HILO — Paul Mangus has camped atop Wal-Mart, solicited tips from business patrons and participated in dozens of island-based Special Olympics events over the years such as the “Troy Barboza” Law Enforcement Torch Run.
But these days, the Hawaii Police Department officer is hitting the gym extra hard in preparation for his next — and perhaps greatest — Special Olympics challenge yet: Running up to eight miles each day through Austria and its frigid winter climate.
Mangus is among more than 80 law enforcement officers from around the world who will participate next month in Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg for the Special Olympics Winter World Games Austria 2017.
The yearly running event serves as the opening to the organization’s World Winter Games. Mangus will run alongside a team of fellow officers as well as Special Olympics athletes and travel through dozens of Austrian towns and cities over a 10-day period starting March 9.
Mangus is the first — and only — person from Hawaii to ever participate in the World Winter Games torch run. Generally police officers are accompanied by a Special Olympics athlete, but Hawaii doesn’t participate in winter sports because of the state’s warm climate.
“I’ve been training about five to six days per week,” Mangus said in an interview last week, in which he brought along a heavy-duty logo-emblazoned winter jacket he’ll wear during the event. “It’s a lot of running, and I also do weight-lifting. But I know I’ll have to be able to run.”
Thousands of residents with disabilities have competed in Special Olympics Hawaii events over the years, including about 200 last year in East Hawaii alone. Sports include track and field, swimming, power-lifting, softball, basketball and bocce, to name a few. Up to 50 local law enforcement officers participate in Special Olympic Hawaii fundraisers each year.
Among local Special Olympics athletes is Chris “Big C” Liberato, 26, of Orchidland, who began participating years ago in high school and said he now plans to continue “as long as I live.” Liberato said his favorite sport is basketball. Last year, he was named 2016 Male Athlete of the Year.
“I tell everyone, no matter how old I get, I’m never quitting or retiring,” Liberato said. “The one thing about Special Olympics is, it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about having fun, being with your friends and going to Honolulu to represent the Big Island. It’s about putting your heart out there and just having a good time.”
Mangus has been soliciting donations for the Austria torch run. To-date he’s exceeded his fundraising goal which he attributes to ample community and department support. Those still wishing to donate can visit tinyurl.com/PaulMangus.
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.