RICHLAND, Wash. – Volleyball coach and influencer Chijo Takeda teamed up with Ikaika Ohana Volleyball to host clinics in Richland over the weekend. The event culminated in a Special Olympics clinic, raising nearly $400 for the annual Special Olympics volleyball tournament scheduled for later this year.
Takeda, who came from Portland, Oregon, has been coaching for 30 years and has amassed a large following on social media. He used his platform to bring volleyball skills and techniques to the Richland community.
“It’s like this universal language where all you need is a ball to just hit around and it produces smiles on people’s faces,” Takeda said.
The event was held from Thursday through Sunday, with clinics for kids and coaches the first three days. Takeda wrapped up the weekend by hosting his first Special Olympics clinic on Sunday. He emphasized the importance of making the sport enjoyable.
“My goal and priority, just with any athlete overall, is make it fun. Let’s make sure that everybody that shows up goes home thinking, ‘man, that was fun,'” he said.
Takeda shared his feelings about the weekend.
“It’s opportunities for players, and we had a lot of fun. We taught volleyball skills, they learned volleyball skills, we played games, and they just had a great opportunity. It was a great feeling for me to give back and know that we’re just helping so many people.”
The funds raised during the event will support the Special Olympics and Arc of Tri-Cities’ annual volleyball tournament. Takeda emphasized the importance of funding such programs for inclusion.
“It’s really important to fund programs like the Special Olympics, because, again, it’s about inclusion. Sports should be for everyone. Volleyball should be for everybody,” he said.
Takeda’s phrase “just go” stems from his belief that volleyball is a game of mistakes, but it’s important to keep going and have fun.
“It’s not always about the wins. It’s not always about whether it was a great shot or not. You just go. I see the smiles on the athletes’ faces and that’s what keeps us going,” he said.
The Special Olympics annual volleyball tournament is set to take place this November.
