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Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, July 27, 2017 9 “Arm wrestling has been around since the creation of man,” says Joe Sebastian, who will be the official USAA representative during the arm wrestling competition. “It is one-onone … who is the strongest? Add technique, and the weaker can win over a stronger opponent. It has always been some form of sport. “The rules of a tournament are the same all over the world, whether it’s in the U.S., Brazil or Japan. Hawaii is now part of the United States Armwrestling Association and the World Armwrestling Federation.” Arm wrestling, he says, is a great spectator sport. So are the other Strongman events, which, in the past, have included tire flips, truck pull, farmers’ walk, log lift and more. “The Strongman has seen many different people over the past couple of years and has gained more exposure and interest over the past five years,” Preston-Pita says. “We had an up-and-coming world Strongman competitor who did an exhibition last year, really making the events look easy. The competition has significantly grown over the years by having more spectators and participants.” This year marks the fifth anniversary for the Strongman event, which Preston-Pita says inspires people to think that anything is possible. Several spectators have become participants themselves the following year. “It has provided an opportunity to expose Hawaii Island to events that happen on the national circuit and on Oahu,” Preston-Pita says. “It serves as a platform for the community to see that there are options outside of drug use and that dreams are possible.” Because the Strongman competition is a sanctioned event, it’s a qualifier for national professional and amateur contests. Feats of strength are just part of the Summer Jam. “There is something for everyone,” Preston-Pita says. “It’s an event the whole family can participate in and it’s a feel-good time. These activities share common ground with each other because they celebrate community, bring awareness to social issues and provide options for improving health and well-being.” Food will be provided by BISAC’s own Big Island Fusion food truck, part of the organization’s vocational training program to provide opportunities for people to gain marketable skills upon returning to society. “It was established in May 2016 and was recently voted Hawaii’s finest No. 1 plate lunch in the state,” Preston Pita says. “Kim Sasaki of Malamapono Events Management is hosting the Summer Jam Extravaganza Gift and Craft Fair where she also will be featuring other food trailers and food items, too. I believe the craft fair will capture an audience that we have not had in the past. Crafters are very popular and bring out people who are looking to support local businesses and get the best local deals.” Sasaki says she has approximately 50 vendors for her first Summer Jam event. “Some of the vendors are my regulars from my Christmas fair, including some from Honolulu,” she says. “But I also have 14 new vendors as well. We will be donating a portion of our proceeds to BISAC’s treatment programs.” You’ll find Stay Humble Pray, It’s About Time, I Am Loved, Design Club, Rose Haywood jewelry, 808 Kettlecorn, Kai’s SaltiGear Lemonade, Borinky’s Funnel Cakes, Aunty Peach’s Onolicioius Poi Balls, Anuenue Kitchen Catering, Koho Pono’s food truck, Hatoa, Sum Ting Simpo, Michelle’s Creative Haven, Just Coco, Kalokini Swimwear, Aloha Bubbles, Bee Beachey Designs, Designer Accessories Hawaii and more. “Unlike my signature event, the Christmas Extravaganza, which is a handmade-only show, this is a gift and craft show so there will be other vendors like Lularoe, Lipsense, Kyani, Nerium and Doterra,” Sasaki says. The BISAC Summer Jam provides a “onestop shop,” says Preston Pita, for those in the community who are looking to learn about the resources that are available to them. “It also provides a place for BISAC to reach out to the community and address addiction and mental health issues by minimizing the stigma that is associated with it,” she says. BISAC has been operating on Hawaii Island since 1964, providing client-centered, culturally appropriate treatment to individuals and their families who are battling substance abuse. “What we have seen is that addiction is a symptom of other things such as trauma, violence, poverty, etc.,” Preston-Pita explains. “BISAC’s mission is to work with these individuals and their families by inspiring positive change and providing opportunities for individuals to reclaim their lives. The organization treats more than 1,400 individuals annually.” BISAC recently added several new services to its programming including culture and gardening and vocational training. “With the influx of drug use and other social correlates like crime, domestic violence and suicide associated with addiction, BISAC continues to provide more opportunities for individuals to reclaim their lives and inspire positive changes,” Preston-Pita says. The Summer Jam, she adds, has continued with BISAC’s primary mission and also has evolved over the year into a well-known event that’s popular with all ages. For more information about BISAC’s Summer Jam, visit www.summerjamhawaii. com. SUMMER JAM From page 7 Courtesy photo Competitors in the 2016 BISAC Strongman competition pose for a group photo.


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