2007 Maui-Molokai Ocean Challenge, to benefit Youth in Motion and the Children of Molokai

Molokai, HI – Youth in Motion is a 501c-3 tax exempt, non profit organization. 
Established in 1998 on the island of Molokai, it’s aim is to assist the youth
on Molokai and throughout Hawaii, in realizing their full potential with hands
on learning and leadership training through sports. This has led to an annual
festival to celebrate the multitude of additional opportunities that are
available to the youth of our world, our future leaders.  For the past 4 years
the festival has been run by volunteers whose sole focus is to help the youth
gain inspiration and aspiration to their dreams and to see the wonderful
opportunities that are available to them through out the world.

The 5th Annual festival of Na Opio Hana Pa’a that will be held in Kaunakakai,
Molokai, Hawaii, from August 6th thru the 11th  2007, with the main festival on
Saturday August 11th and the pageants on the Friday night. The event has
focused on the cultural element of the islands. There will be cultural
workshops that are open to all youth, local or visitors. These workshops will
be run through out the week leading up to the main event where the youth can
display or demonstrate the cultural elements that they participated in. In
addition to the cultural theme, there will be the continuance of the Miss
Molokai and teen pageant, island idols where youth can express their musical
abilities and have the prospect to record their own CD.  University of Hawaii
Athletic department will be returning for the 5th year with their line up of
coaches offering the youth to try their hands at different sports or to get
noticed for college sports.

The Molokai Ocean Challenge brings a unique sporting element to the event where
participants cross the Pailolo Channel from Kaanapali Maui to Molokai, Hawaii.
The crossing in the past has predominately been wind powered craft, ranging
from canoes with kites, kiteboarders, windsurfers to sailboats in part of these
celebrations. To recognize the cultural element of the festival the organizers
have opened the crossing to all water craft that is not motorized and
especially encouraging outrigger canoes, ranging from one man to 6 man to be
involved in the festivities. The crossing is scheduled to depart from Embassy
Suites, Kaanapali. The purpose of The Molokai Challenge is to raise awareness
to A Celebration of Youth Opportunities, Na Opio Hana Pa’a as well fundraising
so the festival can happen for many years to come.

For more information and registration forms one can contact Clare Seeger Mawae
at 336-0946 or 808-553-4282 or go to http://www.molokaichallenge.com