Kaiser Teams up to Help Kaua‘i Special Olympics Athletes

Kaiser Permanente is taking care of the Garden Isle’s athletes.

On April 2, the provider hosted a MedFest event for Special Olympics Kaua‘i athletes, where almost two dozen sporting men and women from across the island received free screenings for vision, height, weight, blood pressure, and cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health at the Kaiser Permanente Līhu‘e Clinic.

The exams were performed by Kaiser Permanente physicians Dr. Benjamin Chun — who is also the Special Olympics Hawaii MedFest clinical director — and Dr. Gale Prentiss — who is also the Special Olympics Hawaii FunFitness clinical director — as well as Cindy Labrador and Lihue nursing staff.

MedFest is an annual event that provides comprehensive physical screenings to athletes of all ages competing in Special Olympics Hawai‘i. Physical exams are needed to ensure it is safe for athletes to participate in training and competitions each year.

Kaiser Permanente was recently recognized with two awards. Dr. Benjamin Chun received the Special Olympics Hawai‘i Above and Beyond award — an award for volunteers that have routinely demonstrated a commitment and desire to helping athletes and the greater Special Olympics Hawai‘i ‘ohana. Kaiser Permanente was also recognized with Special Olympics Hawai‘i’s Organization of the Year award for being a long-time partner with the organization and their dedication to hosting MedFest events year-after-year, as well as their support, holding vaccine drives for Special Olympics Hawai‘i.