Big Isle briefs, July 13

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

Greg Cameron Firemen’s Fund

Greg Cameron Firemen’s Fund

The Greg Cameron Firemen’s Fund and Lavakids for the Greg Cameron Firemen’s Fund 4th annual Biathlon will be held July 17 at Hapuna Beach State Park.

Featured is a 400-meter swim and a 1-mile beach run. Lavakids will feature a Keiki Beach Dash (6 and under) and biathlons for ages 7-10 (short course) and 11-14 (long course).

Registration is available on line at active.com or download at application at tgcff.com.

Check-in and late registration will be at the main pavilion at Hapuna Beach State Park form 7-8 a.m.

For more information, visit tgcff.com or contact Grant Kohima at inkona@hotmail.com.

Free sports physicals

The Big Island Sports Academy and For Hearts and Souls have teamed up to offer free sports physicals to Big Island keiki.

Dr. Kirk Milhoan will be examining athletes at Panaewa Park from 1-6 p.m. July 14 and at Konawaena High School from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on July 15.

Dr. Milhoan is a pediatric cardiologist and will also be performing free heart screenings as well.

To alleviate early crowding, parents can text or call Thane Milhoan at 938-6805 to reserve a space for their child.

Softball tourney is cancer benefit

The third annual battling against cancer 14-inch softball tournament will be held Aug. 27-29 at Walter Victor Complex.

Divisions are kupuna and mixed (2 or more wahine) and the entry fee is $200.

The tournament is sponsored by Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi for Malama Ka Pili Pa’a cancer support group.

Teams must supply their own softballs.

For more information, contact Charley Kaleo (990-9729), Nene Kaleo (990-2720) or Les Estrella (937-6257).

Pop Warner registration

In May, Pop Warner announced it was becoming the first national football organization to eliminate kickoffs, a ban thataffects the three youngest divisions. The ball will be placed at the 35-yard line to start each half and after each score in allTiny Mite (ages 5-7), Mitey Mite (7-9) and Junior Pee Wee (8-10) games. After the season, Pop Warner will review the resultsof the move as it considers implementation in older divisions.

“We are constantly working to make the game safer and better for our young athletes, and we think this move is an important step in that direction,” Jon Butler, Pop Warner’s executive director, said in a release.

Pop Warner also reduced contact time in practice across all divisions, cutting it from 33 percent to 25 percent of practice,beginning this season.

Pop Warner lauded the changes as its latest in a long line of moves aimed at enhanced player safety.

In 2010, Pop Warner implemented a concussion policy – participants removed from practice, play or competition mustreceive written medical clearance to return – and formed an independent Medical Advisory Committee. In 2012, Pop Warnerbanned full-speed head-on, blocking or tackling drills in which the players line up more than 3 yards apart.

Registration is now open for island associations for football (ages 7-15) and cheerleading (ages 5-15). Weight restrictionsapply to football and more details can be found on at www.popwarner.com or by calling any of the island associations:

Big Island Pop Warner Football Conference: Brenda Kuamoo, 961-5277

Hamakua Cougars: Alexis McDougall, 315-1681

Ka’u Lions: Kai Manini, 640-8409

Keaukaha Warriors: Sherise Kane-Kanae, 989-5066

Kohala Chargers: Kamon Kupukaa, 937-0133

Kona Marlins: Ikaika Salvador, 896-0335

Leeward Steelers: Steve Uemura, 365-6195

Panaewa Ali’i: Abraham Alvarez, 854-3819

Puna Panthers: Kel Lee, 315-7433

Waiakea Nakoa: Heather Mercado, 640-9630

Wailoa Razorbacks: Wade Akui, 854-7759

Waimea Cowboys: Brian Liborio, 896-7657

Westside Eagles: Darren Naihe, 987-3245