Koa Challenge Veteran Games Opening Day

The event was held at Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial in Honolulu, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and the ceremony held at 9 a.m. inside John A. Burns Hall. VAPIHCS Human Resources Administrative Officer Adrian Etumeleu began the ceremony by singing the United States National Anthem and Hawaii Ponoi. VAPIHCS Assistant Director James Ingebredtsen delivered the keynote speech, where he spoke directly to the athletes participating in the events. 

“You are the standard bearers. You are the leaders who will determine how these games are going to continue in the future,” Ingebredtsen said. “For all of you who woke up and decided that you wanted to train and sign up for these games, I want to thank you.”

Ingebredtsen emphasized that participation in the Koa Challenge and in other Veteran games builds camaraderie between Veterans. That camaraderie and engagement can help improve overall mental health and reduce Veteran suicide. Additionally, the games provide an opportunity to stay physically fit, which can lower health complications as well as improving overall mental and physical health. Many Veterans struggle to travel to the mainland to participate in Veteran games. Having the Koa Challenge Veteran Games locally can make them accessible to Veterans who might not otherwise be able to compete. 

In addition to Assistant Director Ingebredtsen, Hawaii Army National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Tyson Y. Tahara was invited to speak at the event. Gen. Tahara is a graduate of both Mililani High School and the University of Hawaii, and he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Gen. Tahara spoke about the importance of participating in events like the Koa Challenge, but he also emphasized the importance of family. 

“I would like to thank all of you for participating in these games, for living an active lifestyle, and for continuing to stay fit,” said Gen. Tahara. “I especially want to thank the families. They bear the brunt of your deployments. They must try and carry on their daily activities without their spouse, their mom, their dad, their son, their daughter or sister who is not around, and who may be in harms way protecting our freedom. When you go home today, thank your families.” 

AMVETS West Oahu Vet Center Commander Donavan Lazarus, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 858 President Rona Adams, and VAPIHCS Recreation Therapy Supervisor Melissa Crawford also gave brief remarks. Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Chief Schoen Safotu acted as Master of Ceremonies. Tables were set up by Military and Family Support Services, Grand Canyon University, VAPIHCS Gerofit and EEO programs, Harosky Homes, Dynamic Stretch Therapy, and more. More than 100 Veterans attended the event. 

“I’m not competing in anything today,” said Air Force Ret. Chief Master Sgt. Garrett Kuwada. “But, I still wanted to come out and watch the opening ceremony, see the stuff set up for Veterans, and cheer on my brothers who are competing today. I’ll be competing on Thursday.” 

Event Schedule: 

• Opening Ceremony Nov. 12, 2024, 8 a.m. – noon (HST) at Ke’ehi Lagoon.
• Canoe sprints Nov. 12, 2024, at Ke’ehi Lagoon.
• Indoor climbing Nov. 13, 2024, 8a.m. – noon (HST) at HiClimb Gym.
• Powerwalking Nov. 13, 2024, 1-4 p.m. (HST) at the Hickam Track.
• Adaptive fitness, archery, basketball free-throws, horseshoes, and wheelchair slalom Nov. 14, 2024, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (HST) at American Veterans (AMVETS) West Oahu Vet Center.
• Pickleball and boccia ball Nov. 15, 2024, 8 a.m. – noon (HST) at Ewa Mahiko.
• Bowling Nov. 15, 2024, 1 – 4 p.m. (HST) at Barber’s Point.
• Cycling and closing ceremony Nov. 16, 2024, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (HST)at the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic.