Take-down event, wrestling clinic slated Nov. 22

The community is invited to the ninth annual free Wrestling Clinic and Take-Down Event on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Keaau High School Gym. This event is open to boys and girls ages 5-18 and adults.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. the day of the clinic. All parents and or legal guardians are required to register their child in order to participate in one or both activities.

Returning clinicians/coaches are Keith Laeha and Brendan Courtot, who have been active with the Youth Empowerment Committee (YES) Wrestling Clinic and Tournament in the past.

Take-Down Event wrestlers must have at least one year of “folk style/high school” experience and/or need to attend the clinic before participating in take-down action.

This is a drug-free family event sponsored in part by Hawaii County Community Policing, Keaau High School, BIIF volunteers, the county Parks &Recreation Department, the Neighborhood Place of Puna and YES Committee.

All participants must have a current medical insurance card and wear shoes, T-shirt and shorts. Participants also are asked to bring a change of clothing and water. They may bring a sack lunch or purchase food from the concession.

“The focus of this event is to encourage health and wellness,” said Letty Galloway and Joy Reyes of the Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center. “We will feature a special guest speaker, Dr. Kimo Alameda, a psychologist, who will emphasize self-care and resiliency.

“Families in the Puna area are experiencing an overwhelming array of emotions, and being aware of how to cope with loss, changes and uncertainty will help our families move forward and heal,” the spokeswomen said.

“We encourage everyone to come and enjoy a Puna athletic activity while bonding with their families and supporting our youth.”

For more information, call coach Michaelene Iaukea-Lum of Keaau High School Wrestling at (808) 443-4127. This is a non-sanctioned BIIF event.