KAILUA-KONA — Scaffolding, music and shout outs greeted customers at Walmart Thursday as the annual Cop on Top fundraiser for Special Olympics got underway.
Police officers, athletes and volunteers were on hand to collect donations earmarked for transportation to the Holiday Classic this November in Oahu.
Special Olympics West Hawaii Area Director Sharon Yong said athletes, coaches and unified partners from West Hawaii will be competing in bowling and basketball at Hickam, Pear Harbor and Kaneohe Military bases on Oahu.
“We are very appreciative of the Kona community and all the visitors that have been graciously donating to our cause we are really stoked,” she said.
This year, West Hawaii’s goal is to collect $20,000. As of Friday afternoon, $18,900 had been raised, said Yong.
“We are going to exceed our goal of $20,000 but we will go on further,” said Yong noting that Special Olympics West Hawaii will be taking 70-80 people to Oahu for the state games on Nov. 17 and 18.
In its seventeenth year, Officer William “Kali” Vickery has perched himself atop the scaffold since the beginning.
“It’s fun, it’s the bestest,” said Vickery. “It’s all about the athletes and helping them out the best we can.”
Vickery, also a basketball assistant coach, has a passion for Special Olympics. Growing up he had cousins who were Special Olympic athletes. He supported them then, and continues to support West Hawaii’s teams now.
Athlete Sierra Whiteside, all smiles, held a bucket to collect donations in the blazing afternoon heat.
“I love being out here with all the athletes and coaches and volunteers,” said Whiteside, “I’m hoping to go to states and compete in bowling.”
Cop on Top continues until 10 p.m. Friday and again from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Kailua-Kona and Hilo Walmart entrances.
For information on opportunities for athletes, coaches and unified partners contact Yong at 756-2186 or email westhawaiiad@sohawaii.org.
