Waialua Gets Much-needed Sports Equipment From NFL Grant

Representatives from government and businesses join Waialua faculty and students March 3 upon receipt of the equipment purchased by R.E.A.C.H. Photo courtesy Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui’s office.

Waialua High and Intermediate School got a boost for its after-school sports programs: It was presented with basketball, volleyball and soccer equipment valued at $3,000. The teams have been using hand-me-down balls and equipment from the high school teams, and were in dire need of new equipment.

R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) Out Hawaii purchased the equipment with a grant it received in 2014 from NFL Foundation.

“Funding to purchase equipment for our intermediate after-school sports program is difficult to come by. That’s why we’re extremely grateful for the generous donation from R.E.A.C.H.,” said Avis Nanbu, Waialua High and Intermediate School principal.

Waialua is among 11 schools selected to participate in this year’s R.E.A.C.H. Initiative. Waialua High and Intermediate’s after-school program includes the award-winning VEX IQ and VEX robotics team, a band program, digital media, graphics and athletics.

“Waialua High and Intermediate School’s after-school program for its intermediate school students sets an exemplary example in fulfilling R.E.A.C.H.’s mission,” said Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui at the ceremony. “This is a small way to recognize the outstanding work the school, community and its partners, and what they’ve done to support the after-school program that will make a big impact on the students for years to come.”

R.E.A.C.H. provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours. Started in March 2013 by Tsutsui, the initiative is being considered by the state Legislature to become a permanently funded program within the Office of Youth Services. Twenty schools thus far have benefited from the program since it was launched.