WAIALUA, OAHU —Waialua High & Intermediate got a big boost for its after-school sports program. Today, Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui, along with R.E.A.C.H. (Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture and Health) Out Hawaii in partnership with the National Football League (NFL) Foundation, presented representatives of the basketball, volleyball and soccer teams with new balls and equipment, valuing 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.
“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 & Intermediate School principal.
“Waialua High & Intermediate School’s after-school program for its intermediate school students set an exemplary example in fulfilling R.E.A.C.H.’s mission,” said Tsutsui. “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. Out Hawaii, the nonprofit arm for R.E.A.C.H., purchased the equipment with a grant it received in 2014 from the NFL Foundation through its Pro Bowl Community grant program.
“It is gratifying to see that we are helping to make a difference in the lives of middle schoolers through the donation of the equipment,” said Tom Apple, president of R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii. “This is a fine example on how public-private partnerships can work together towards providing more positive educational opportunities for our keiki.”
Waialua High & Intermediate is among 11 schools selected this year to participate in this year’s R.E.A.C.H. Initiative. Waialua High & Intermediate’s after-school program includes an award-winning VEX IQ and VEX robotics team, a band program, digital media, graphics and athletics.
R.E.A.C.H. provides an organizational framework for public middle and intermediate schools to offer expanded learning opportunities during after-school hours. The initiative’s mission is to expand learning opportunities during non-instructional hours to public middle and intermediate school students so they can stay on track toward high school graduation and be better prepared for future success. Started in March 2013 by Lt. Governor Tsutsui, the R.E.A.C.H. initiative continues to develop and is currently 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 in 2014.
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