Kids In Motion, which began offering gymnastics classes for North Hawaii’s children back in January, has served over a hundred kids at the New Hope Church Gym in North Hawaii.
Now, it wants to offer its new program, “Hawaiian Ninja Warriors,” a fun fitness program for keiki ages 5 through 10, to kids across the island.
Converting its gymnastics equipment, the group can create a challenging and exciting obstacle course manned by qualified coaches and instructors who are compassionate in working with the children. Focusing on their individual personalities they encourage them to be the best they can be.
Students are taught specific exercises and activities to do out-of-class. They are given a workbook to follow and log their progress with guidance and validation of an adult. The 14-week session culminates at the “everybody wins” tournament. Children brave through the Hawaiian Ninja Trail as peers, friends and family cheer them on. They are awarded “Ninja Warrior Worthy” medals.
But it is asking for community support to expand its vision.
Kids In Motion, KIM has begun setting up sister programs in the schools so students can train there in addition to using the gym’s facility but its aiming to expand to middle schools.
KIM is in the process of turning into a nonprofit organization serving Waimea, Waikoloa, Honokaa and Laupahoehoe.
At the end of December KIM will be losing its gym and must relocate. With the help of painters, electricians, carpenters it’s hoping to turn a barn, nursery building or warehouse into a facility to continue our services in the meantime.
The group is looking for materials such as PVC piping and fixtures, lumber and welded metal to create fitness equipment for the schools as well as added stations for the Ninja Trail. Sponsors can help with T-shirts, awards and booklets and monetary gifts will be used for scholarships for classes, transportation and tournament registration fees.
Info: Director Karen Kalena Zindric, kidsinmotionnorthhawaii@gmail.com, 494-5940.
