MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR LINGLE AND LT. GOVERNOR AIONA: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Aloha!

Starting August 8, millions of people around the world will be following their favorite teams and athletes in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

In Hawai`i, we especially look forward to watching the 22 star athletes who have connections to our island state. These athletes are at the top of their game, models of sportsmanship and outstanding ambassadors for Hawai`i.

Each of them has already achieved a remarkable feat in making it to the Olympics. Now they will be competing against the best of the best before a world audience. We ask the people of Hawai`i to join us in taking pride in their accomplishments and supporting them in the days ahead.

Local athletes representing the U.S., the Philippines, Australia, the Netherlands and the Marshall Islands include Robyn Ah Mow-Santos (Volleyball); Beth Arnouldt (Wheelchair Tennis); Lindsey Berg (Volleyball); Heather Bown (Volleyball); Brandon Brooks (Water Polo); Clarissa Chun (Wrestling); Bryan Clay (Decathlon); Daniel Coakley (Swimming); Meike DeNooy (Water Polo); Jared Heine (Swimming), Anju Jason (Tae Kwon Do); Lovieanne Jung (Softball); Natasha Kai (Soccer); Stacey Porter (Softball); Melanie Shlanger (Swimming); Christel Simms (Swimming); Justine Smethurst (Softball); Jesse Smith (Water Polo); Clay Stanley (Volleyball); Taylor Takata (Judo); Logan Tom (Volleyball); Lefke Van Belkum (Water Polo); and Kim Willoughby (Volleyball).

The Olympic Games have long provided viewers with an emotional reminder of the common values and aspirations that connect people of different nationalities and backgrounds. It is in this global environment that Hawai`i's athletes are helping to forge links with other countries and to create a better world.

We hope the young people of Hawai`i will be inspired to follow the example of our local Olympians by pursuing their goals – whether athletic, academic or artistic – with drive and dedication. The Olympic motto of "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (faster, higher, stronger) is a motto all of us can seek to live by!

Mahalo,

Linda Lingle
Governor, State of Hawai‘i

James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr.
Lieutenant Governor, State of Hawai‘i