LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation tees off on its first-ever fundraiser, April 11 at the Puakea Golf Course.
Registration and sponsorship forms are now available for the golf tournament which will have golfers checking in from 6:30 a.m. for a shotgun start at 8 a.m.
Entry fees for the tournament is $300 for a team in the 3-person scramble format and includes golf, the awards lunch, a goodie bag, closest-to-the-pin, long drive and team prizes.
Mulligan drawings include interisland vouchers, resort stays, a flat screen TV and more premiums.
Sponsorships include $150 for a hole sponsorship, $500 for a Silver sponsorship which includes a banner display and a hole sponsorship.
$1,000 nets a Gold Sponsorship level which includes golf for a team of three, a banner display and three hole sponsorships. A Platinum Sponsorship of $2,000 includes golf for a team of three, banner display and six hole sponsorships.
Checks can be made out to “Supporters of the KIF” and dropped off to Diane Nitta, KIF executive secretary, Nely Caberto, principal of Waimea High School, Lynn Luttrell, principal of Olelo Christian Academy in Lihu‘e, Linda Smith, principal of Kaua‘i High School, Bob Springer, principal of Island School, or Gilmore Youn, principal of Kapa‘a High School.
The need for the KIF fundraiser came about because of the current economic situation which has forced cutbacks to athletic programs in the areas of coaches’ salaries, supplies, equipment and transportation.
This year, a 50 percent reduction in state funding amounts to $70,504 for Kaua‘i, states a release from the KIF.
Athletics, what would our schools look like without them? With budget cuts across the state and nation, athletic programs are at the forefront of elimination.
The KIF was established in the mid-1930s to promote unity and cooperation among high school participants.
Today, the KIF member schools include Kapa‘a High School, Kaua‘i High School, Waimea High School, Island School and ‘Olelo Christian Academy.
The KIF sponsors 15 sports for boys and girls during the Fall, Winter and Spring seasons collectively, impacting a total of 1,669 student athletes, or 53 percent of all students enrolled in Kaua‘i’s high schools.
Participating in athletics teaches discipline, the importance of hard work, the setting and attaining of worthwhile goals, self-sacrifice, humility and composure under pressure.
Through athletics, students learn to face adversity and challenges, develop a courageous spirit and build reliance on team members — all considered relevant life skills.
On April 11, the KIF is embarking on a journey to raise funds to support its member schools, student athletes and the overall sports programs.
Funds raised will be used to pay for the “operational necessities” required to provide student athletes the opportunities to compete and develop into well-rounded individuals and community members.
“We truly appreciate all the support we have received and contributions people have made throughout the many years of high school athletics on Kaua‘i,” Nitta said in the release. “As we continue to work together to provide a balanced education for our students, let us recognize that involvement in sports fosters not only a sense of self-pride and accomplishment, but also allows students to expand on their individual interests and talents.”
•Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
