LIKE sports, the nightclub business is full of dreamers. Many make a noble, lifelong career of serving others food, drink and good times. But most of the waitresses, bartenders and tavern managers I've come across in 15 years of sometimes extensive research (including a few stints on the cha-ching side of the bar) are hurriedly on their way somewhere else -- or at least they think they are. Shaka Ball is a new
sport for kids all of agesThey're sort of like the cast of Taxi. For every Alex who wants nothing more than to make his honest living as a hack, there's an aspiring actor, boxer, art critic and lunatic.
Stephen Nadel is no Jim Ignatowski, but there are those who might think his vision for his new sport is as crazy as some of Iggy's antics.
Nadel, 56, erstwhile bar and restaurant man, is the present and future czar of something called Hawaiian Team Shaka Ball.
Nadel came up with the game a couple years ago while thinking of ways to keep Hawaii kids off the streets. Today, about 30 kids who are members of Nadel's fledgling non-profit Hawaii Youth Corps play Shaka Ball, a sport combining soccer, volleyball, football, rugby, team handball and basketball.
"I just thought that we should have a game that we can call our own," said Nadel, who is from Chicago, but has called Hawaii home since 1966. "I want to do something for our kids here. I might be prejudiced, but I think they are the greatest in the world."
THERE are seven to a side, and scoring is accomplished by kicking or throwing a ball into a goal or over a cross bar. It's a fast game that rewards teamwork and creativity. Soccer with more action; perfect for kids.
Nadel said it is the only game played on a circular field. Actually, there's at least one other: marbles.
At first I thought maybe he had lost some of his when Nadel told me his vision -- to have a professional league started within two years.
"We're trying to establish it not only as a youth sport, but as a high school, collegiate, corporate and professional sport," Nadel said. "We hope to take the game to the mainland and other parts of the world, promoting the state of Hawaii. I think once it takes hold, it will skyrocket."
Lofty goals. But even in tough times, things with Hawaii stamped on them have the potential to sell. And the more you talk with Nadel, the more you realize how much of himself he has put into a grass-roots effort to build his game. You can't help but hope he succeeds.
Yesterday he enjoyed one of the victories that keeps him going. Patrick Lum, father of two Shaka Ball players, lined the field they play on at Manana Kai Park in Pearl City.
"He saw the field on paper and saw his kids playing and decided to help out," Nadel said. "You can't believe how exciting it was to see the first real field."
GAIL Lara, mother of two players, has picked up on Nadel's enthusiasm, too, and is assisting him with developing the game.
"I've always loved working with people," Nadel said. "But until a couple years ago, I never thought I'd work with kids. But getting involved with them has been very fulfilling."
Nadel founded the Hawaii Youth Corps in 1996 as a way to give back to the state he has adopted.
"I saw an opportunity through sports and performing arts programs to get kids involved. We want to build self-esteem and leadership skills," Nadel said. "I think there's always room for something new."
These days, that might not be true for a business, like say a nightclub.
But a sport that might someday help promote Hawaii, and in the meanwhile, give our children a wholesome activity?
It's one man's dream. But why not?
For more information about Hawaiian Team Shaka Bowl or other programs of the Hawaii Youth Corps, call 947-4252.
Dave Reardon is a magazine editor and freelance
writer who has covered Hawaii sports since 1977.
He can be reached via the Star-Bulletin or
by email at dreardon@hmsa.com.
