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Democratic National Convention
Local Girl Heading Olympics; Family Seeks Donations Print E-mail
Written by Tina Chau - tchau@kgmb9.com   
July 18, 2008 10:29 PM

 
Even before she could twirl a soccer ball, Natasha Kai had Olympic-sized dreams.

"Since I was five, I told my dad, I was going to play in the Olympics," said the 25-year-old.

And that's exactly what she's doing. The Kahuku grad was picked to be on the U.S. Olympic women's soccer team. The first-ever female player from Hawaii selected for a U.S Olympic team in the sport.

We caught up with Natasha at her Kahuku home days before she would leave for Beijing.

"Are you nervous?" asked KGMB9.

"No. I don't think it's hit me yet. I think when I'm over there, then my nerves will come out," she said.

She made a special appearance with her family at the Laie summer bash Friday evening, saying hi to old friends and local fans, though she was a little embarrassed by the attention.

It would be an understatement to say that her family is excited for their olympian. They want nothing more than to be in Beijing with her.

My wife would tell me, stop talking about her, " laughed Natasha's father Benny. "But I can't. I can't hold it back. I love to share with people, that Natasha Kai is my daughter."

The autograph session was a fundraiser for her family. They say they need to raise $30,000 in eight days to go to Beijing and watch her play. To help, Natasha is auctioning off some autographed gear on Ebay so her mother, father and siblings can live her dream with her. If you want to help, you can make donations at any Bank of Hawaii branch.

Account name: He Makana Mai Ka Puu Wai
c/o BENNY KAI



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Last Updated ( July 26, 2008 03:38 AM )
 

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