LIHUE — Armed with a goal of $25,000, the Kauai Police Department officers — Sgt. Morris Unutoa, Jonathan Anderson, Anthony Gayagas, Kaulana Renaud, and Gabby Himongala received help from the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative bucket truck to get to the rooftop of the Walmart store on Thursday morning.
The officers are participating in the annual Badges and Buckets fundraiser for Special Olympics Kauai participants. The major sponsors for the three-day event include KIUC, Ka‘iwa Construction, and the Kauai Police Department, which, inspired by fallen brother Troy Barboza of the Honolulu Police Department, actively supports the Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Run that opens the Kauai track and field games.
“Officer Anderson and one of our Special Olympic athletes were just notified they’re being candidates for national competition,” said Special Olympics Coach Leona Sa McDermott. “We’ll be sending along more information as details come together.”
These and other travel-related expenses are some of the reasons for the fundraising. All of the funds raised on Kauai stay here to benefit our local athletes.
“We welcome and look forward to one and all assisting our cause by contributing donations during our event,” said Lisa Aki, the area director of Special Olympics Kauai. “Special Olympics t-shirts and other incentives (including the coveted Troy Barboza Memorial Torch Run shirts) will be available. Shop early for the best variety of sizes.”
Special Olympic Kauai athletes, coaches, and members of all the Lions clubs on Kauai will be on the ground collecting contributions.
As a bonus for Kauai residents and shoppers, Walmart has announced its Wellness event on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, offering customers free health screenings, affordable immunizations, and other health-focused activities.
During the Wellness event, shoppers can expect free health screenings, such as blood pressure and BMI checks, at nearly 4,600 Walmart pharmacies nationwide. Additionally, free vision screenings will be available at select locations, along with no-cost flu shots and other affordable immunizations, including RSV, shingles, tetanus, HPV, and more.
There will be information on Walmart’s affordable low-cost generic prescription program, starting at just $4 for a 30-day supply, conversations with trusted pharmacists on medication therapy management, nutrition recommendations, and tailored support for a personalized health journey, and samples and giveaways highlighting over-the-counter items and nutritious options at select locations.
Wellness-focused events at Walmart have provided more than 5 million free health screenings since 2014, reinforcing its commitment to community well-being.
Over the past 40 years, Special Olympics has grown from a modest program serving local athletes to become the world’s largest movement dedicated to promoting respect, acceptance, inclusion, and human dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sports.
Source: The Garden Island