The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa made a strong showing at the inaugural Hawaiʻi Family & Sports Expo, 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 UH Mānoa Athletics Department, the UH Mānoa College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, the Hawaiʻi Concussion Awareness Management Program (HCAMP) and the Mānoa Bookstore.
Presented by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Star Events Hawaiʻi, the expo was hosted by Chad Owens, a former UH football standout. It was sponsored in part by UH Mānoa.
“Events like the Hawaiʻi Family & Sports Expo showcase the deep connection between our university athletics department and the community,” said UH Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “It’s inspiring to see our student-athletes, coaches and alumni giving back to Hawaiʻi 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 Mānoa College of Education faculty and staff.
“Our participation in the Hawaiʻi Family & Sports Expo reflects the College of Education’s mission to promote wellness and lifelong learning,” said Nathan Murata, dean of the UH Mānoa 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 Mānoa alumna and event coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaiʻi, 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.”
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