Lahaina in the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires.
On Monday, ESPN announced the nominees for their 2024 Sports Humanitarian Awards. Among them were the Maui surfing community, who were nominated for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, for their response to the deadly 2023 wildfires.
The 2023 Maui wildfires were the fifth deadliest wildfire in United States history, and the worst natural disaster in Hawai’i history. On August 8, wind driven wildfires destroyed over 2,200 structures, caused around $5.5 billion in damages and left thousands without homes. Over 100 lives were lost, with Maui County just recently identifying the 102nd victim of the disaster.
During that time, Maui surfers and water safety teams were among the first to lend aid in response. The ESPY press release recognizes both prominent figures in the world of surfing, as well as the greater community as a whole. There were pros like Kai Lenny, who dropped off food, water and other supplies to Lāhainā via jet ski, or Archie Kalepa, who used his front yard to establish a communication hub and supply depot. However, they were just part of a greater effort on the part of the surfing community, among dozens of local surfers and watermen who pitched in with humanitarian efforts as well as served on the front lines as firefighters and EMTs. “Their work is far from over,” concludes the release. “As the Maui surfing community continues to raise awareness and funds for thousands of Maui residents, who will work together to recover and rebuild.”
“Sports has the ability to bring people together and drive positive change to make a difference in communities that need it most,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “ESPN is proud that the Sports Humanitarian Awards will once again recognize athletes and sports figures who are using the power of sports to make a difference in communities across the globe.”
