How Football Is Filling the Lives of Thousands After Hawaii Wildfire?Tragedy

The beauty of sports lies in its ability to bring people together and give them a sense of hope and positivity. No matter how bad the situation a person may be in, when they enter a stadium and the ground, the energy and atmosphere have the exceptional ability to uplift one’s spirit. People of Lahaina experienced this very feeling, after the return to some sense of normalcy, with a football game at the Lahainaluna High School?football stadium.

It was the first time the people, students and players returned to action after the deadly wildfires that claimed 99 lives. Not many would have imagined that they would be in the stadium, celebrating and rejoicing after what was the deadliest wildfire for over a hundred years. To the people of Lahaina, this was more than just a game, it was a sign of hope and strength after what was a devastating two months.

Football returns to Lahaina and with it, a thousand smiles

The wildfires on August 8th left a major part of the town completely burnt and destroyed. The stadium has a capacity of 3000 people and tickets for the homecoming game were sold out in just seven minutes. It depicted how eager the people of Lahaina were to go back to some sense of normalcy, and what better way to do than a lovely game of football.

Lahainaluna High School football team is no lightweight either, but a powerhouse of a program and team. The college has won four state titles from the years 2016-2019 and a source of great pride for the town.

The skill, style of play can rival even the top American state football teams and is a testament to their undying spirit and love for the game. Their return to the stadium was just more than a competitive game for the people and players of Lahaina.

ALSO READ: ?That?s Hawaiian Vin Diesel?: WWE Legend Dwayne Johnson?s New Waxwork in a French Museum Leave Social Media in Splits

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, offensive linesman Morgan “Bula” Montgomery expressed his emotions and did not hold back. ?I don?t know if I can put into words how much it means to Lahaina…Just looking in the stands, you see all the old-timers coming out, all the alumni and even the little kids ? just all kind of excited, waiting for that first snap.?

The light at the end of the tunnel now shines brighter

A sea of red covered the Lahaina stadium as 3000 people cheered, sang and laughed and shared hugs after a return to some sense of normalcy. After two months of devastation, destruction and heartbreak, the game of football brought people immense joy and something to smile about. The junior varsity and varsity team both had their first home games of the season and pulled off a victory in both.

The players of the football team spoke about how coming in for practice with the devastation in the background was a hollow feeling. Playing football is what gave them joy, but it was bittersweet as they looked over to see what they lost.

Honolulu Bank set up a fundraising campaign up for the 450 student athletes and coaches whose homes were destroyed and Keith Amemiya was the one in charge. ?Young boys dream about one day wearing the red and white and representing Lahainaluna,? he said.

After the game was over, the varsity team gathered in the locker room and sang the alma mater. Their voices echoed all over the school and painted a picture of belief, hope, and fierce perseverance. The beauty of sport indeed is in the power it possesses to bring people together.

Watch this story – Saints vs Jaguars: On Thursday Night Football, Watch Out for These Potential Game Winners