Kupuna compete in Olympic gold on Kress Street

And, the winner is…

“Everyone wins,” said Kaua‘i Adult Day Health Center Program Director Kaulana Mossman. “Every person here gets a medal today and an Olympic pack. Do you see how they love nori and noodles? They get those in the Olympic pack.”

The 22 clients of the center had a hands-on celebration of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games with the center’s “Go for The Gold” Mini Summer Olympic Games that reflected the pride for the country’s athletes in Japan.

“Kupuna have been looking forward to this event for more than a month,” Mossman said. “Some of them were so excited they had a hard time sleeping last night. They were so excited.”

Led by torchbearer Clifton Hayashi, the parade of teams marked the separation of the 22-member delegation that competed in games that enhance and challenge each of the kupuna’s individual abilities.

“You see these wristbands?” asked Rose Fune, who along with Priscilla Simao was part of the Red Team led by Activity Assistant Team Member Connie Vidal. “We worked on these wristbands the entire week.”

The Red Team, the Blue Team led by Activity Assistant Team Member Juvie Bercasio, and the Yellow Team led by Activity Assistant Team Member Janet Agni, worked through the soda ring toss, the Olympic ring pitch and the day’s finale watermelon “Eat all you can Challenge” within two minutes.

‘Ohana Pacific Management Co. Chief Human Resources Officer Kurt Akamine had the honor of placing the medals on each of the Olympians.

“We are blessed to have someone as talented and creative as Kaulana,” Akamine said. “This is all her.”

Mossman credited her staff for getting as excited as the residents for the smiles all around and creating the good bubble.

“At the end of the day, whether it is a friendly competition or sharing a talent, we want every one of the kupuna to feel that they are all winners,” Mossman said. “What makes them special and unique is the multitude of contributions to their communities throughout their lifetime. It is our privilege and honor to highlight their achievements.”
Source: The Garden Island