Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, Hawai‘i’s third-largest credit union, has donated $26,250 to the University of Hawai‘i Esports team’s scholarship fund for the second year.
“E-sports athletes face the same academic and financial obligations as students playing traditional sports like football or volleyball, having to balance full course loads, practice sessions, game days, and maybe even a part-time job,” said Vince Otsuka, president and CEO of Aloha Pacific FCU. “We hope that this scholarship program will lighten the financial load for these gifted athletes and allow them to prioritize their education and training.”
Since the program’s founding in 2019, the UH Esports team has won several collegiate tournaments, including Best Collegiate Esports Program of the Year at the 2022 Esports Awards.
“Our athletes gain incredible skills they can take moving forward, including strategy development, time management, and leadership and team-bonding abilities,” said Nyle Sky Kauweloa, UH’s Esports program director. “We sincerely appreciate Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union’s continued support of UH’s Esports program and for recognizing the opportunities it provides our athletes for their futures.”