O‘AHU, HI – The ninth season of Friday Night Prime Time, a program dedicated to providing inclusive interscholastic athletic opportunities for at-risk students and students with disabilities, tipped off earlier this month at three high schools across O‘ahu. The initiative, which began in 2016, is gaining momentum as a powerful force for inclusion and empowerment in Hawaiʻi’s high school sports landscape.
Founded by Nathan Murata, then dean of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Education, Friday Night Prime Time started modestly with a single basketball game between Kalani and Roosevelt High Schools. It has since blossomed, reaching a peak of 17 participating schools in one season, fueled by community support and dedicated volunteers. This year, fifteen public high schools are fielding teams, and a pilot program is extending the reach to middle schools, with games scheduled to begin in May.
The program’s core mission is simple yet profound: to offer students who might not otherwise have the chance, the experience of representing their school in a competitive athletic environment. The games aren’t just about basketball; they’re about fostering a sense of belonging, pride, and accomplishment. The atmosphere at these events mirrors that of traditional high school sporting contests, complete with cheerleaders and the school band, creating an authentic and exhilarating experience for all involved.
“A lot of (the students) never really had any formalized sports, whether it’s high school or PAL (Police Activities League) or AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization), so I experience for them, it’s something they’re going to remember for the rest of their life,” said Chris Nakagawa, a special education teacher at President William McKinley High School. “Win or lose, it doesn’t matter. They attempt hard. The fans are supporting them. They have their parents there, a lot of times we have the band and cheerleaders, so it’s as real as it can be.”
The early March kick-off featured doubleheaders at three locations. President William McKinley High School hosted Henry J. Kaiser High versus President Theodore Roosevelt High, followed by a matchup between McKinley and Kalani High Schools. Waipahu High School saw Waiʻanae seize on Pearl City, and Waipahu battle Nānākuli. Mililani High School hosted a game between Moanalua and Mililani. The enthusiastic crowds at McKinley High School underscored the community’s embrace of the program.
The impact extends beyond the players themselves. Alina Stephenson, a senior at Kalani High School and a multi-sport athlete, volunteers as a peer mentor within the program. She described the joy of sharing the experience with students who might not typically have the opportunity. “We can kind of share a moment, that’s one of my favorite moments. I love playing basketball on the court and we get to share it with different people and grant it to people that don’t normally have the experience,” Stephenson said. “It’s very fun. They’re all very cute and energetic and I wish I had them on my team too.”
Friday Night Prime Time isn’t just about athletics; it’s about building bridges and fostering a more inclusive school environment. The program provides a platform for peer mentorship, allowing student-athletes like Stephenson to connect with and support their classmates with disabilities. This reciprocal relationship benefits both groups, promoting empathy, understanding, and a stronger sense of community.
The program’s growth reflects a broader movement toward inclusive athletics, recognizing the inherent value of participation for all students, regardless of ability. While the focus is on basketball currently, the potential for expansion into other sports is a topic of ongoing discussion. The success of the middle school pilot program will be closely watched, as it could pave the way for even greater reach and impact.
All Friday Night Prime Time games are free and open to the public. A complete schedule of upcoming games can be found at the program’s website.
The next scheduled games will continue throughout March and into April, offering opportunities for the community to witness the power of inclusive athletics firsthand. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education continues to support the program, recognizing its vital role in fostering a positive and inclusive school climate. Fans and supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer on these remarkable student-athletes.
What began as a single game has evolved into a statewide initiative, demonstrating the transformative power of sports to unite and empower. Friday Night Prime Time is more than just a basketball league; it’s a testament to the belief that every student deserves the chance to experience the joy of competition and the pride of representing their school.
