The September 11th attack
Child's play a refreshing innocence
By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
A gentle northeasterly wind swept through the long grass of a makeshift soccer field yesterday as 5-year-old Michelle Simmons drew her leg back for a shot.
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The kick connected, just barely, and the ball rolled harmlessly and elliptically out of bounds. No problem. The ball was retrieved and the game continued, the giggling, out-of-breath players running and kicking and continuing on with the serious business of play.
Five-year-old Noah White, second from left, scores a goal in an American Youth Soccer Organization game.
It was only on the sidelines that the grim events of the past five days continued to cast a pall.
"The adults have been handling it pretty well trying to keep things as normal as possible" said Michelle's mother, Sandy Simmons. "The kids understand a little bit about what's been going on, but they're mostly excited about their soccer game."
More than a dozen teams in the American Youth Soccer Organization's Diamond Head Division Under-6 league showed up for their regularly scheduled games at Star of the Sea Schools yesterday. For parents and coaches, the return to the field evoked mixed feelings.
"It's kind of hard to do regular things," said Kimberly Han, whose daughter Kau'ilani, 5, plays for the Blue Whales. "You just have to keep your mind set on consistency and normalcy so the kids can live without worrying about what's going on all the time. It's sad. But we have to keep strong for them."
As images of the destruction of the World Trade Center towers were replayed night and day throughout the week, Han said she did her best to reassure Kau'ilani and her sister, Anela, 3, that they were safe.
"I just try to reassure her that not everyone is as bad as that — that the world is still good," Han said.
Nathan Chang, who coaches his son Nolan's team, said the decision to continue playing was a sound one.
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"I think for the adults it's a little awkward but for the children, they say you want to keep some sort of semblance of normalcy," Chang said. "There isn't anyone here who isn't sensitive to what has happened but what good would it serve keeping the kids in the house?
The action was fast and furious in this AYSO Diamond Head Region under-6 division game at Star of the Sea Schools yesterday.
Five-year-old Kadie Kakumitsu, left, mixed it up with the boys from the Lightning Bolts’ under-6 team.
"I don't see any reason why (the children) need to be subjected to any more of the negative effects (of the attacks)," he said. "I think that would be the kind of thing (the terrorists) want to accomplish, to disrupt our lives as much as possible."
Chang said he was concerned about how some in the community might feel about the league continuing play, especially in light of cancellations at the high school, college and professional ranks.
"If some people can't understand why we're doing this, we apologize," he said. "We mean no disrespect or lack of sensitivity to what has happened, but at the same time these are very young children and we can't just stop what we're doing."
Lonny Carlile, whose 5-year-old daughter Melanie plays for the Dolphins, agreed: "Yes, absolutely, otherwise we'd just be giving in to terrorism. I also think (canceling games) was appropriate at other levels, given the commercial interests plus the practical issues of travel."
Craig Chun said coming out to watch his son, Bennet, play for the Tornadoes was a welcome respite from an emotionally distressing week.
"The whole week has been continuous coverage," he said. "It's nice to get out in the sun. It's nice to get out and appreciate what we have. It's very easy to take things for granted."
To whatever extent they understand the events of the past week, many of the children have responded to the feelings of solidarity and patriotism stirred by the tragedy.
Natalie McKinney said her niece, La'akea Marquez, 5, has been singing "God Bless America" over and over for days. Kahler Suzuki, 4, has been wearing his patriotism on his sleeve in the form of an American flag patch.
"I wore it because I respect all the people in New York and the Pentagon," he said.
