HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Hawai‘i Gay Kickball League (HIGKL) is more than just a sports league; it’s a vibrant community that brings people together, promotes inclusivity and fosters friendships.
As Aug. 16-19 approaches, excitement is building for the Kona Kickball Classic, a major event on Hawai‘i Island that promises to unite players from across the islands and beyond.
Kickball’s journey from a simple playground game to an international sport reflects its wide appeal. It was invented in 1917 by Nicholas C. Seuss as an accessible alternative to baseball.
The sport quickly became a staple in U.S. schools and expanded globally over the years. In Hawai‘i, the sport has found a passionate following through the HIGKL, founded by Mikey Rickman in 2017.
KHON2.com was able to catch up with Tony Sanchez who is the current League Commissioner for the Hawai‘i Gay Kickball League.
Sanchez is an immigrant from Mexico who grew up in Texas and moved to Honolulu during his final year in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and works as a Clinical Research Associate at the University of Hawai‘i.
Since 2017, Sanchez has been deeply involved with the Hawai‘i Gay Kickball League. He has seen firsthand how the league positively impacts both locals and those temporarily living in Hawai‘i.
Sanchez is passionate about creating and protecting safe spaces for Hawai‘i’s MVPFAFF (Mahuwahine, Vakasalewalewa, Palopa, Fa'afafine, Akava'ine, Fakaleiti, and Fakafifine) and 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
As the commissioner of the kickball league, Sanchez has two main goals: to foster community engagement and to ensure the creation of safe, inclusive spaces for the queer community and their strong allies. He works tirelessly to make the league a welcoming place where everyone can feel accepted and valued.
"Kickball started around 2017, 2018. Our founding member Mikey Rickman saw a need for community outside of bars," said Sanchez. "The only other network of LGBT members was the flag football league. He started HIGKL, and it exploded in popularity."
The league has grown to be the largest 2SLGBTQ+ sports league in Hawai‘i, boasting around 350 to 400 players each season. It emphasizes inclusivity, creating a safe space where everyone, including allies, can join in the fun.
"It’s a hub for positivity and friendships. It’s really beautiful," Sanchez added.
He pointed out that the league would not be as successful or as popular if it weren't for the hard of the league's Board of Directors.
Dayne Nishio, Brandon Childress, Mark Irizarry, Kanoa Keawe, Michael Olman, Michaell Hernandez and Emily Gordon provide much needed direction and nurturance of this burgeoning sports league.
But HIGKL is not just about playing sports; it’s about giving back to the community. The league engages in various volunteer activities, including fundraisers for the Maui wildfires and participation in events like the AIDS walk.
"We do a lot of volunteer work to give back and say thank you," said Sanchez.
This commitment to community extends to the upcoming Kona Kickball Classic. The event aims to unite the LGBT community across the Hawaiian Islands.
"We recognized that while Hawai‘i is geographically separated, it’s intrinsically interconnected," explained Sanchez. "The Kona Kickball Classic helps us support businesses and communities on other islands."
The Kona Kickball Classic will feature 12 teams with around 175 players from Honolulu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island and even places like Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.
This tournament not only provides a competitive platform but also serves as a social event, fostering camaraderie among participants.
"It’s about being part of the excitement, part of your friends in the gay community and enjoying a little trip," Sanchez said.
The league’s efforts are supported by local businesses, especially those that are LGBT-owned or allied. These businesses help offset the costs of organizing such events, making participation affordable.
"Living in Hawai‘i is expensive. Making the league affordable allows more people to join and have something to do on weekends," Sanchez pointed out.
The Kona Kickball Classic is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of unity and inclusivity. It’s an opportunity for players and supporters to come together, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hawai‘i Island, and strengthen the bonds within the LGBT community.
As Sanchez emphasized, "We wanted to be part of the recovery effort and inspire others to do the same. It’s about giving back to our community and supporting local businesses."
With its commitment to inclusivity, community support and the joy of sportsmanship, the Hawai‘i Gay Kickball League continues to make a positive impact.
The Kona Kickball Classic is a testament to the league’s mission of bringing people together and celebrating the diversity and beauty of the LGBT community in Hawai‘i.
For those interested in joining the league or participating in future events, HIGKL offers ample opportunities to get involved.
"People can visit our website or follow us on social media to stay updated on registration and events," said Sanchez. The league’s social media presence, especially on Instagram, helps spread the word and engage with the community.
As the Kona Kickball Classic approaches, the excitement is palpable. It’s not just about the game; it’s about coming together as a community, supporting each other and celebrating the spirit of inclusivity that defines the Hawai‘i Gay Kickball League.
You can click here and here to learn more about joining a team, supporting the league or to simply enjoy the fun.
The Kona Classic is taking place Aug. 16-19 in Kona, Hawaiʻi Island at the Old Kona Airport Park. Games will be taking place on Aug. 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There are a few weekend events to keep the energy going. Check these out:
- Host Bar at MyBar:
- Evening of entertainment with drag performers, a swimwear party, bingo night with prizes and karaoke.
- On-Field Interactions:
- During daytime hours, players engage in spirited interactions on the field. This is where camaraderie is forged, bonds are built and competitive gameplay reaches its peak.
And if you want to join the league for Season 9, then here's how:
- Registration period: November to December each year.
- League status: HIGKL is proud to be the largest 2SLGBTQ+ sports league in Hawaiʻi.
- Season details: The season spans 10 weeks, featuring 20 teams and approximately 350-400 returning and new players.
- Community support: HIGKL benefits from robust support from local establishments, particularly those that are 2SLGBTQ+-owned or strong allies, which helps keep participation affordable.
- Community outreach: "We hope to continue our efforts in giving back to the ʻāina, help our community and spread the aloha. Engagement opportunities: AIDS walk, Heart Walk, Aloha Animal Sanctuary, Hawaiʻi Food Bank," said Sanchez.
Whether you’re a player or a supporter, the Kona Kickball Classic promises to be an unforgettable event filled with fun, friendship and aloha.