Dan Epstein, right, president and CEO of Special Olympics Hawaii, presented a plaque to the Knights of Columbus on Aug. 16. From left: Reynaldo Nilo, Brian Castro and Richard Lacuesta from St. Damien Assembly 3221; George Leong from Bishop James J. Sweeney Assembly 1826; and Valente Ruiz from St. Damien Assembly 3221, standing behind Epstein. (Courtesy Philip Mulno)
By Robert Camilleri
Special to the Herald
On Aug. 16 and 17, members of the Third and Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus participated in the opening ceremonies and prepared and served meals to athletes at Special Olympics Hawaii’s 30th annual Aukake Classic.
The first day of the classic, held at Waiau District Park in Pearl City, was a hot one, made more comfortable by overcast skies, cooling tradewinds and passing showers.
During the opening ceremonies, a Fourth Degree color guard comprising members of St. Damien Assembly 3221 and Bishop James J. Sweeney Assembly 1826 presented the U.S. and Hawaii flags to stirring renditions of the national anthem and “Hawaii Ponoi.”
Dan Epstein, president and CEO of Special Olympics Hawaii, also presented a plaque to the Hawaii Knights of Columbus for being a silver medal sponsor of the Aukake Classic.
After the opening ceremonies, athletes from teams representing the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island competed against each other in a soccer tournament and a bocce ball competition.
On the second day, Knights of Columbus members from various councils across Oahu and their families prepared and served a delicious breakfast and lunch to the athletes.
Councils 14620 and 6734 prepared and served breakfast; lunch was prepared and served by councils 10475, 11743, 11636, 12733, 18025, 6302, 12045 and 13663.
It was an honor and a pleasure for the members and their families of the Knights of Columbus to assist Special Olympics Hawaii during its 30th annual Aukake Classic.