The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ made a strong showing at the inaugural , held on July 20, at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. The event aimed to promote fitness and engagement with healthy lifestyle practices.
The event featured contributions from the , the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Education¡¯s , the (HCAMP) and the .
Presented by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Star Events Â鶹´«Ã½, the expo was hosted by Chad Owens, a former UH football standout. It was sponsored in part by UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹.
“Events like the Â鶹´«Ã½ Family & Sports Expo showcase the deep connection between our university athletics department and the community,” said UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “It¡¯s inspiring to see our student-athletes, coaches and alumni giving back to Â鶹´«Ã½ by promoting healthy lifestyles for all.”
Attendees could visit the UH tailgating area at the exhibition hall, complete with merchandise, games and meet-and-greets with Rainbow Warrior and Wahine athletes and coaches. Attendees could also win prizes from HCAMP and the kinesiology department, learn more about the academic programs and meet UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Education faculty and staff.
“Our participation in the Â鶹´«Ã½ Family & Sports Expo reflects the College of Education¡¯s mission to promote wellness and lifelong learning,” said Nathan Murata, dean of the UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ College of Education. “It was great to see our kinesiology department engaging directly with the community in celebrating fitness and healthy lifestyles.”
Booths from local sports leagues, healthcare providers, wellness vendors and community organizations provided information, demos and giveaways throughout the day. The event also included interactive sports clinics, youth athletic zones, pickleball and tennis courts and hands-on games.
“There was something for everyone at the expo,” said Emily Morden, UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ alumna and event coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters Â鶹´«Ã½, who also participated in the event. “It was amazing to see how involved UH was. From the athletes and coaches and other departments, they really showed up to promote health and sports.”