Lahaina Intermediate Receives Free R.E.A.C.H. Sports Equipment

Photo courtesy: Lori Ann Koyama

Students at Lahaina Intermediate School’s after-school program received more than $2,000 in sports equipment from R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui.

The donation included volleyballs and equipment that were donated to the nine teams in the program.

Program representatives say the equipment was much needed as students have been practicing with balls that were “inadequate and worn.”  With the growing demand of the program, leaders say there has also been a shortage in volleyballs.

“R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaiʻi is pleased to be able to provide Lahaina Intermediate’s volleyball teams with equipment that will help them become better student-athletes,” said Tyler Tokioka, R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaiʻi Director. “We hope that this donation will help expand the program, thus allowing more students to participate.”

“I hope that this donation will make a lasting positive impression on the students,” said Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui. “Our students deserve to have the best equipment, which enables them to do their best at practice and at games.”

Senator Roz Baker, who represents South and West Maui, said the donation “provides a wonderful opportunity for the school and its students.”

“Lahaina Intermediate has been in dire need of new equipment and I thank R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaiʻi and Lt. Governor Tsutsui for their generous donation.  With the new equipment, students will be in top performance shape,” she said.

“Donations for sports equipment are hard to come by, especially for after-school programs. And I thank R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaiʻi and Lt. Governor Tsutsui for fulfilling Lahaina Intermediate’s need,” said Rep. Angus McKelvey who represents West Maui, Māʻalaea, and North Kīhei.

Lahaina Intermediate’s volleyball coordinator, who is also a special education teacher at the school, said this equipment donation will help students further themselves as student-athletes. “The teams have been winning different tournaments and high school coaches are already taking an interest in a few of our players,” said Charmaine Ganer. “The new equipment will help continue the focus of our Renaissance program of promoting, hard-working athletes with positive attitude, and a sense of belonging in a community by giving back.”

The school’s Renaissance program supports student-athlete academic achievement, requires the completion of four hours of community service, and encourages participants to be “good wholesome” students, community members, and children.

Currently, there are 80 students in the volleyball program.