Maja Gonya, Kassandra Okinaka to Represent Big Island at Special Olympics

Maja Gonya and Kassandra Okinaka, both from Hilo, will represent Hawaiʻi Island in track and field at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, scheduled for June 20–26, 2026. The pair are part of Hui O Hawai‘i, the Special Olympics Hawai‘i delegation that will send athletes, Unified Partners, coaches and youth leaders from Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island to the national competition.

Special Olympics Hawai‘i said the Hui O Hawai‘i roster comprises athletes competing in basketball, bowling and track and field, and that the delegation includes two Unified Champion Schools Youth Leaders from Campbell High School on Oʻahu. The roster that will travel to Minneapolis is listed at 30 Special Olympics Hawai‘i athletes, Unified Partners and coaches. Big Island representation in the group also includes participants and a retired police chief from the island, though the name of the retired officer was not provided in the announcement.

Dan Epstein, president and CEO of Special Olympics Hawaii, framed the delegation as an expression of island values. “The athletes selected to compete at the national level have the strength, spirit and determination to make Hawaii proud,” said Epstein. “They represent the very best of our islands and the heart, values and aloha spirit that we hope to share with other Special Olympics delegations from around the country.”

The statewide delegation mixes competitive sport with community leadership and inclusion. Hui O Hawai‘i will field teams and individuals across the three sports, with coaches and Unified Partners supporting athletes both on and off the field. Basketball team captain Kaleo Carvalho emphasized the team’s determination and desire to share Hawaiian hospitality on the national stage: “I’m excited to be going to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and leading my team to gold! But, no matter what, we are giving it everything we’ve got,” said Carvalho. “I want the whole country to feel the aloha spirit. All our hard work will show in the results at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, whether we come home wearing the gold or not!”

For Big Island residents, Gonya’s and Okinaka’s selection spotlights long-running local efforts to expand access to adaptive and inclusive sports. The Special Olympics program has historically drawn thousands of participants statewide; earlier coverage has noted past selection pools numbered in the thousands. Representation from Hilo helps ensure the island’s athletes and Unified partners are visible at a national event that brings together competitors from all 50 states.

As the Games approach, communities on the Big Island can expect an opportunity to rally behind Gonya, Okinaka and the rest of Hui O Hawai‘i. Local schools, clubs and supporters may organize send-offs, fundraisers and viewing gatherings as details and travel plans are finalized. The athletes will compete June 20–26 in Minneapolis, and their performances will be a focal point for island pride and ongoing conversations about inclusion, access and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities.