STUDENT-ATHLETES TO “MAKE A DIFFERENCE”

THIS SATURDAY

            (Wednesday, October 21, 2009) -- Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Hawaii High School Athletic Association Executive Director Keith Y. Amemiya today announced that a thousand student-athletes from 23 public schools and one private school on Oahu will clean City beaches and parks on Make A Difference Day this Saturday, October 24.

            The event is being held in conjunction with National Make A Difference Day.

            Mayor Hannemann said, “This is an opportunity for the student-athletes to show their appreciation for the outpouring of public support for their athletic programs through the Save Our Sports campaign.  The donations will make a difference in their educations, and this is their way of returning the generosity of the community.  It’s also a chance for them to be involved in something outside their schools, to engender the volunteerism and civic spirit that we hope will be a part of their lives into adulthood.”

            Keith Amemiya said, “The response to Save Our Sports has been remarkable.  The students’ leadership in Make a Difference Day will demonstrate their gratitude to the people of Oahu and to the City and County of Honolulu, which provides the services and facilities that enable sports to thrive, both in the OIA and ILH.”

            The student-athletes will work from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on October 24.  The Department of Parks and Recreation will coordinate the clean-up, as well as provide bags, gloves, and other assistance.  Sites and school assignments are as follows:

·        Ala Moana Beach Park:  Aiea, Anuenue, Farrington, Kaimuki, McKinley, Pearl City, Punahou, Radford, and Roosevelt

·        Oneula Beach Park:  Campbell, Kapolei, Waipahu

·        Maili Beach Park:  Nanakuli, Waianae

·        Haleiwa Beach Park:  Leilehua, Mililani, Waialua

·        Kokololio Beach Park:  Kahuku

·        Sandy Beach:  Kaiser, Kalani

·        Waimanalo Beach Park:  Castle, Kailua, Kaiser, Kalaheo

-30-

Contact:

Richard Haru, Deputy Parks Director, 225-8678

Bill Brennan, 768-6928