On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the spirit of celebration filled the University of Hawaii at Manoa Dance Studios as athletes from across the state gathered for the Special Olympics Hawaii Athlete Victory Dance, part of the 56th Annual State Summer Games. The annual event provides an opportunity to honor the athletes’ accomplishments, celebrate their hard work and perseverance, and enjoy an evening of fun with family, friends, and supporters.

Organized by Locations Foundation Executive Board Member Megumi Nekotani, the Victory Dance transformed the venue into a vibrant jungle-themed celebration. Volunteers worked together to decorate the dance hall, creating a festive atmosphere where athletes could relax, connect, and celebrate their achievements after a weekend of competition.

One of the evening’s most popular attractions was the paper lei-making craft station. Locations volunteers Sunny Lee-Oshiro and Carol Hayashi were joined by their hula sisters and family members to host the activity, helping athletes create colorful keepsakes while sharing laughter and conversation throughout the night. Volunteers also staffed the snack and drink station, ensuring guests had refreshments to keep the celebration going.

The dance floor remained lively throughout the evening thanks to music provided by Barefoot DJ, who kept athletes, volunteers, and supporters moving with a fun mix of songs. Smiles filled the room as athletes danced, visited with friends, and enjoyed an evening dedicated to celebrating their accomplishments.

“The Athlete Victory Dance is always one of the highlights of the State Summer Games,” said Megumi Nekotani. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the incredible dedication and achievements of the athletes while bringing everyone together for an evening filled with joy, friendship, and fun. We’re grateful to be part of such a special tradition.”

Mahalo to Special Olympics Hawaii for the opportunity to support the 56th Annual State Summer Games and to our dedicated Locations Foundation volunteers who helped make the evening a success: Carol Hayashi, Cindy Fullmer, Evelyn Rooney, Gavin Baer, Ivante Jackson, Jo Ann Foulkes, John Jacobson, Kumiko Burns, Nancy Nguyen, Sunny Lee-Oshiro, and Yukiko Brady.

We’re also grateful to the extended group of family members and hula sisters who volunteered alongside our team and helped make the event memorable for the athletes and their families.

It’s an honor to partner with an organization that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, leadership opportunities, and community engagement, and we look forward to continuing our support for the remarkable athletes of Special Olympics Hawaii. Opportunities like the Victory Dance align closely with the Locations Foundation’s mission of supporting Hawaii organizations that strengthen communities and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

About Special Olympics Hawaii

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.