Wailea Molokini Challenge
The Wailea Molokini Challenge was a charity swim and paddle event on 3 December 2011 that benefited Best Buddies Hawaii and Ka Lima O Maui. The event will raise money and awareness for the diverse population of people with disabilities on Maui.
Famous swimmers such as Karen Gaffney swam 6 miles from Wailea Beach on Maui, circumnavigated Molokini volcanic crater island, and then paddled 6 miles back. Gaffney was accompanied by Hawaiian channel swimmer and Maui resident Mike Spalding. The benefit paddle/swim circumnavigation of Molokini included stand up, OC-1, OC-2 and traditional outrigger canoe divisions for teens, adults and seniors.
The race began and ended on Wailea Beach at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, and featured celebrity guests enjoying an evening of Hawaiian entertainment and hula, a lu'au buffet, silent auction, awards ceremony and prizes. Actress Maureen McCormick (aka Marcia Brady of "The Brady Bunch") presented awards to the winning competitors.
Beneficiaries
Proceeds from the event supported two Maui non-profit organizations, Ka Lima O Maui and Best Buddies Hawai'i, which provide friendships, leadership training and jobs for students and adults on Maui with disabilities.
External links
- Wailea Molokini Challenge
- Ka Lima O Maui
- Best Buddies Hawai'i
- Being Best Buddies In The Water And On Land
- World Open Water Swimming Association
- Open Water Swimming
- Olympic 10K Marathon Swim round-up
- Marathon Swimming
- Olympic 10K Marathon Swim
- Daily News of Open Water Swimming
- I Got Stung
- World Marathon Swimming Association
