[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 1, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 COMMENDING KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS--HAWAII

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I congratulate the Kamehameha 
Schools--Hawaii Athletic Department and coaching staff for winning the 
Positive Coaching Alliance's, PCA, coveted Honoring the Game Award of 
2009. The mission of the PCA is to foster a ``positive, character-
building youth sports environment.'' The award goes to schools or 
organizations serving athletes of high school age or younger that 
embody PCA principles in using sports to teach life lessons. Honoring 
the Game Award winners will be recognized at the Eighth Annual National 
Youth Sports Awards Ceremony at Stanford University's Maples Pavilion 
on April 24, 2009. This year Kamehameha was one of three schools 
selected to receive this award and the only school noted for multiple 
sports programs.
  I wish to acknowledge Kamehameha Schools--Hawaii's vision, 
commitment, and diligent efforts to create and uphold a positive 
athletic environment for its students, coaches, and fans. Kamehameha is 
the first PCA-partnered school in the State of Hawaii, and it requires 
all leaders, coaches, parents, and students who want to participate in 
the school's athletics programs to attend PCA workshops to be eligible. 
Additionally, it has integrated the school principle of pu'uhonua--
sanctuary--into the 22-sport athletics program, ensuring appropriate 
behavior toward referees and other visitors. I wish to acknowledge all 
members of the Kamehameha Schools--Hawaii Athletic Department on their 
noteworthy accomplishment. I wish to give special recognition to 
athletic director Bob Wagner, headmaster Stan Fortuna, and school 
principal Ninia Aldrich.
  However, this sort of large scale effort cannot be done without the 
cooperation and support of all of the student-athletes and their 
families. I commend the entire Kamehameha Schools--Hawaii community for 
their initiative and understanding in establishing the high level of 
sportsmanship and respect that has earned this award.
  I encourage these coaches and students to continue their dedication 
to teamwork, character-building and positivity that helps the young 
athletes of today become the model citizens of tomorrow. I wish nothing 
but the best for the students, their families, and their coaches and 
wish them and the athletic program continued success in future 
endeavors.

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