Saturday Briefing

By Lorry Ijima Sato

Back row: Jerry Dolak, Arnold Kinoshita, Lori Ishiyama, Bill Sthay, Mercedes Lanza, Dan Wacksman, Milton Lafitaga, Sean Ajimine, Brian Takenaka, Walter Tolentino, and Victor Tong Front row: Heather Doeringer, Danette Bolosan, and Cheryl Suda Kneeling: Dane and Brian Takenaka, and Amber Tajiri

On the evening of May 29, a group of Outrigger employees took part in First Hawaiian Bank’s Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run. The goal of the run is to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Special Olympics movement. Special Olympics was founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with special mental and physical limitations.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in 1981, when Police Chief Richard LaMunyon of Wichita, Kansas, saw an urgent need to raise funds for, and increase awareness of, Special Olympics.  Hawaii’s participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1986 with 20 officers who carried the “Flame of Hope” from the State Capitol to the State Summer Games. In 1987, the Torch Run was named after Troy Barboza, a police officer killed in the line of duty, who was a dedicated coach for Special Olympics. Outrigger has been actively involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run since 1988.

The run, which began at Fort DeRussy and concluded at the University of Hawaii’s Les Murakami Stadium, had runners from State and Federal offices, City and County law enforcement, HFD, all the military services, and of course, Outrigger’s finest.

Flashing blue lights and sirens cleared the streets along Kalakaua and Kapahulu Avenues, the fire station greeted the runners with a welcoming “shower,” and the police helicopter, which flew directly above the participants with spotlight beaming, made the Torch Run extremely exciting to watch. Spectators all along the route were clapping and cheering as they passed.

In past years, Outrigger and OHANA Hotels & Resorts participated as runners only. This year, a few of us chose to walk the route and were able to gain a different perspective on just how special the Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run really is. We walked side-by-side with some Special Olympians and experienced first-hand the determination and feeling of accomplishment each experienced as they entered the stadium.

What a terrific experience and for a terrific cause. Mahalo to all who supported this year’s Torch Run. We look forward to seeing all of you at next year’s Hawaii Special Olympics Troy Barboza Torch Run!