The Kona Krushers can lift weights with the best of the best in Hawaii.
Their dedication to the sport also uplifts the athletes competing around them, as the team’s strengths come from a place beyond just the physical act of powerlifting.
“We had powerlifters there that are undeniably the best powerlifters in the state and we were embraced by them,” Special Olympics West Hawaii area director and Kona Krushers head coach Denise Lindsey said. “All the comments I got were thanking us for coming, because we make this event more special for them. And the comments were like that from just about every single lifter that was there, because they were just in awe of our athletes.”
Six athletes from the Special Olympics Kailua-Kona-based powerlifting team put their strength on display Sunday at Edith Kanakaole Stadium in Hilo for Hawaii Island’s annual Sonny’s World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters Bench Press and Deadlift Championships.
The powerlifting meet is an inclusion competition that brought competitors from around the islands and the mainland, and included a Special Olympics division.
Competing in the bench competition, five of those athletes finished in first place, and one finished in second, an accomplishment Lindsey expected from her athletes.
“Everyone loved having our athletes around because if gave them the inspiration and the determination to do their best, which is what we instill in our athletes,” Lindsey said. “We try to inspire greatness with each and every one of our athletes, and it’s just wonderful to see.”
Wheelchair athlete Yuu Takahashi finished in first place in his class lifting 44.4 pounds; Kalei Lee finished in first lifting 71.5 pounds; Dara Sabri finished in first lifting 77 pounds; Shawn Lehano finished in first lifting 115.5 pounds; Quentin Wong came in second lifting 198.25 pounds; and Isaiah Wong finished in first lifting 214.75 pounds.
“It’s just so wonderful when you’re competing and you get to see some of these athletes, like our wheelchair athlete, who basically can’t lift as much or as well as anyone else, but for his own handicap division, he shines,” Lindsey said. “And that gives the general public a feeling of fuzziness and of warmth.”
Lindsey said those in the Kailua-Kona area who wish to support the Kona Krushers and their fellow Special Olympics West Hawaii athletes will have the chance to do so Saturday, Feb. 29.
A fundraiser at the Dolphin Spit Saloon on Kuakini Highway for Special Olympics West Hawaii will be held starting at 5 p.m., and will feature a silent auction, giveaways, drink specials, and a performance from the Johnny Shot Band.