The Hawaii Pacific Health Great Aloha Run in-person foot race is only possible because of the generous time investment by thousands of volunteers.
The Leahi Soccer Club (LSC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 1980, that exists to promote girls’ and women’s soccer in the state of Hawaii. Named for its early beginnings in the ‘70s when the first women’s team played informal scrimmages at the base of Leahi, the Hawaiian name for Diamond Head, the program’s philosophy is to provide an environment of care and respect that challenges our players to be outstanding people and soccer players who are creative problem solvers with strong character and a commitment to excellence – on and off the field.
One of the ways LSC helps to its athletes to achieve this is by having its players participate in community service projects, such as volunteering with The Special Olympics and the Hawaii Pacific Health Great Aloha Run.
Leahi Soccer Club began overseeing one of the water stations at the Great Aloha Run in the early 2000s, creating a great opportunity for Leahi athletes to give back to their community. Not only does volunteering with the Great Aloha Run teach Leahi Soccer players the importance of being positive contributors in our community, the athletes also have a blast and enjoy seeing the reactions and the impact that they have by cheering on the runners.
Daisy Freitas, Leahi Soccer Club Coach
Lead Coordinator for the 4th Aide Station
“I’ve been taking care of Aid Station #4 with Leahi Soccer Club since 2008. Because of the dedication and commitment of the students/players, parents, coaches, and team managers, we’ve been able to help the Great Aloha Run runners finish their run strong.
The time spent on preparing, emailing, and coordinating doesn’t amount to the satisfaction of the final outcome – the money raised to allow the Great Aloha Run to help numerous charities around the islands. It doesn’t take a lot of effort or time to help this amazing non-profit organization to reach their goals; it just takes heart and belief.”
