Swimmers race to the finish line at the 2017 Sophie Swim.

KAANAPALI – The third annual Sophie Swim was another successful event last Sunday, Aug. 19, with over 130 swimmers competing in the 1.25-mile (2-km) Open Water Swim from Airport Beach to Black Rock and back.

The race was organized by the Sophie DeLoria Foundation (www.sophiedeloria/org), and proceeds generated go to the foundation administered by the Hawaii Community Foundation that disperses money throughout the year to local kids’ organizations focusing on swimming, dance and drama. The idea is to help as many kids as possible experience opportunities to be part of a swimming team, dance, music or drama group.

The event, now in its third year, has grown tremendously, and the full results link is posted here: www.facebook.com/theSophieSwim/.

Winners and runners-up in each division were awarded a medal or a second place ribbon and got to choose their prize from the Award Board. All the prizes were generously donated by local businesses.

We had restaurant gift certificates, activities and merchandise totaling over $7,784 worth of goodies. We would like to thank all of those businesses that are very generous each year and continue to support this event (they are listed below). We would also like to thank those individuals who have also personally contributed to Sophie’s Foundation.

As always, this event could not take place without certain key admin people we would like to acknowledge for their assistance: Sheila Murphy, Tara and Arissa Kahaialii, Pamela and Tori Vera, Eileen Mervis, Paula Rathbun, Kitty Shimer, Nancy Montoya, Teresa Nellie, Harumi Toscano, Kaye Hunter, Katie Zimmerman and Debbie Patton; Finish Line Productions; Manu Shelley and his team timed the event again, and the Water Safety Crew was Geoff Bogar, Steve O’Donnell, Mark Shimer, JP MilhilBauer, Marilyn Anderson, Jack Starr and Carl Lisk. A big shout out to Andy and Capt. Jay and Capt. Lashawna for setting up the race course and to Frank Forbes on Jet-Ski.

Thank you to Jason Donez of Leilani’s, who very generously provided food for all our volunteers. Dooma and Chris Cole did our photography and movie, and all are posted here: www.facebook.com/theSophieSwim/.

Thank you again to all the Sophie Swimmers – we had an amazing event, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!!

Mahalo to CJ’s; Honu, Mala & Frida’s; Hula Grill; Leilani’s; Mahina Boutique; Merriman’s; Old Lahaina/Leoda’s/Star Noodle/Aloha Mixed Plate; Roy’s Kaanapali; Trilogy Excursions; UFO Parasail; Warren and Annabelle’s Magic Show; Kimo’s; Skyline Zipline Adventure Tours; Maui Sports Adventures; Tropic Water; Prison Street Pizza; Maui Adventure Cruises; Captain Jack’s/Cool Cats; Kaanapali Golf Courses; Lahaina Grill; Plantation House Kapalua; Duke’s Restaurant; Lahaina Pizza Co.; Paia Fish Market; Down the Hatch; Captain Steve’s Rafting Adventures; Kapalua Kai; Matteo’s; Mama’s Fish House; Four Seasons; Cheeseburger in Paradise; Hyatt Regency Maui; Wash It Hawaii-Car Wash; Maui Prime; Jim Kingwell Artist; Dooma; Teddy’s Bigger Burgers; Betty’s Beach Cafe; Walmart; Bounty Music; Lahaina Art Galleries; Kaanapali Beach Club; Maui Clothing Company; Lahaina Music; Java Jazz; Kapalua Golf; Dirty Monkey; Whole Foods; and Flatbread Pizza Company.

(Kahekili Beach Park is privately owned and maintained by the Kaanapali North Beach Masters Association at their sole expense. This beach park property and its facilities are made available to the public for primarily casual park uses and beach access; subject to signage at the park which clearly indicates and states rules and regulations for use and enjoyments of the facilities during posted hours only and strictly prohibiting commercial uses.)