HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0033.000 1998-2000 December 8, 1998
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FROM: Richard/'Sonny" Tanabe
REGARDING: Naming of the New Kona Swimming Pool
As a fellow member of the t956 Olympics and as a former swimming teammate, I would
like to submit the name of Yoshi Oyakawa for consideration as a candidate in naming the
new Kona Swimming Pool in 1999.
Yoshi was born in Holualoa, and brought up in Papaikou. He graduated from Hilo High
School in 1951. He attended Ohio State University and received his degree in 1955.
Yoshi served as an oRicer in the U.S Air Force. After leaving the service, Yoshi taught
and coached in Ohio until his recent retirement.
Yoshi was, and continues to be, an outstanding athlete. In the area of swimming, he has
continued to bring recognition to the Island and the State of Hawaii both nationally and
internationally. In the backstroke events, Yoshi has held the record for both the National
and the World events. Lr 1952 Yoshi was an Olympic Champion, and in 1956 he served
as co-Captain of the 1956 Olympic Team. In addition, Yoshi Oyakawa was a Big Ten, as
well as, a NCAA champion from 1952-1955. In the 1970's Yoshi was inducted into the
International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Recently, he was
inducted into the Hawaii Athletic Hall of Fame. Since retirement from teaching and
coaching this great athlete has been participating in the U.S. Masters Swimming Program.
Once again, Yoshi has won numerous National Championships. He currently holds
several records in his Age Group Division.
While Yoshi currently lives in Ohio, he visits his Island home frequently. He has relatives
and many friends in Hawaii, and looks forward to returning home in the not too distant
future. Yoshi Oyakawa is a local boy, and an outstanding swimmer, who truely has made
good. Naming the new Kona Swimming Pool after Yoshi seems a fitting tribute.
Your consideration of this request is sincerely appreciated
Respectfully Submitted,
7~LC~~iii5.~~ ~ ~l~aYG~~
Richard"Sonny" Tanabe /
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