Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. Taste the relish to be found in competition in having put forth the best within you.
— Henry J. Kaiser

Laura Shimabuku, West Hawaii Today freelance photographer and owner of Akamai Photographic in Kailua-Kona, took the following fabulous photos, featuring Special Olympics participants competing in the Big Island Games Day Saturday, July 22, 2008. Laura gave her permission, allowing SOWH to use her images and captions on this blog. May her work, featured below, bring a smile to the athletes and coaches, as well as their friends and families.

Ray Donager takes a shot during the bocce competition at the Big Island Games Day for Special Olympics.

Murray Williams lines up his bocce ball shot at the Big Island Games Day for Special Olympics.

Kelly Yonemura lines up his shot competing in bocce ball competition at the Big Island Games Day for Special Olympics.

Kelly Yonemura celebrates a good bocce ball shot.

Robbie Sonoria, of the Special Olympics West Hawaii Soccer Team, drives the ball downfield.

Robbie Sonoria, #13, of the Special Olympics West Hawaii Soccer Team scores a goal.

Teammates from Kelly Yonemura and Ray Donager take a break from the action at the Big Island Games Day for Special Olympics.

Ray Donager takes his shot at the bocce ball competition while his teammates look on.

Adrian Cleintaur celebrates and reenacts his great bocce ball throw at the Big Island Games Day Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics West Hawaii Soccer Team patiently and excitedly waits to receive awards. Front row includes: Alvin Carvalho and Jason Nagatori. The back row includes: Robbie Sonoria, Shannon Salas and Gregory Routery.