KOLOA — Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Public Charter School second-grader Deitrius Reilly became a two-time winner on Friday when the school hosted its Second annual Ninja Warrior contest at the school’s Kahili Valley campus that was blanketed with rainy weather.
Reilly, winning the challenge during its inaugural presentation as a first-grade student, continued his mastery over the six-stage course.
“The six-stage course was challenging, and made even more difficult with rainy weather making the obstacles wet and slippery,” said David DJ Adams, the school’s po‘o kumu, or director. “Despite these conditions, more than 150 participants ranging from kindergarten through grade six accepted the challenge to take on the Ninja Warrior course.”
Adams said the school created a more-challenging course, complete with new obstacles for the participants. Additionally, the Ninja Warrior course is one of a handful of sports that is naturally physically distanced, so it makes running the activity much easier to conduct in pandemic times compared to other events.
Joining Reilly in the winner’s circle, Bear Thompson topped the kindergarten class, followed by a three-way tie for the lead between Levi Briggs, Keegan Carolan and Tatiana Zimmerman in the grade-one warriors.
Reilly topped the grade-two participants, and Skylar Dinorscio and Cody Timko tied to lead grade three.
Cato Mokeddam topped the grade-four participants, with Sawyer Kimball and Carolina Tapia tying for top honor in grade five.
A three-way tie for top honors in grade six between Preston Hibbs, Mikaela Mokeddam and Makayla Timko rounded out the field.
“As a school with socio-emotional focus, Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Charter School is extremely proud of each and every participant for having the courage to try a new challenge in life,” Adams said. “We are blessed to share that a talented and ‘lucky 13’ winners finished the six-stage course.”