Lahaina Intermediate School students show their appreciation for their new sports equipment.

LAHAINA – Students at Lahaina Intermediate School’s after-school program received more than $2,000 in sports equipment from R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii, in partnership with Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui.

Much-needed volleyballs and equipment were donated to the nine teams in the program. Students have been practicing with balls that were inadequate and worn.

And with the growing demand of the program, there has also been a shortage in volleyballs.

“R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii is pleased to be able to provide Lahaina Intermediate’s volleyball teams with equipment that will help them become better student-athletes,” said Tyler Tokioka, R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii director.

“We hope that this donation will help expand the program, thus allowing more students to participate.”

“I hope that this donation will make a lasting positive impression on the students,” said Tsutsui. “Our students deserve to have the best equipment, which enables them to do their best at practice and at games.”

Sixth District Sen. Roz Baker (South and West Maui) said the donation provides a wonderful opportunity for the school and its students.

“Lahaina Intermediate has been in dire need of new equipment, and I thank R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii and Lt. Governor Tsutsui for their generous donation,” she said. “With the new equipment, students will be in top performance shape!”

“Donations for sports equipment are hard to come by, especially for after-school programs. And I thank R.E.A.C.H. Out Hawaii and Lt. Governor Tsutsui for fulfilling Lahaina Intermediate’s need,” said Tenth District Rep. Angus McKelvey (West Maui, Maalaea and North Kihei).

Lahaina Intermediate’s volleyball coordinator, who is also a Special Education teacher at the school, said this equipment donation will help students further themselves as student-athletes.

“The teams have been winning different tournaments, and high school coaches are already taking an interest in a few of our players,” said Charmaine Ganer.

“The new equipment will help continue the focus of our Renaissance program of promoting hard-working athletes with positive attitude and a sense of belonging in a community by giving back.”

The school’s Renaissance program requires the student-athlete to have good grades, complete four hours of community service, and be a positive student, community member and child.

Currently, there are 80 students in the volleyball program.