Hi-Five Athlete of the Week: Jordan Jones

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Jordan Jones is one of the state's top cross country runner, but you won't find the 15-year old participating in this year's Keiki Fun Run. That's because the St. Andrew's Priory sophomore is the one responsible for organizing the event.

Jones managed to coordinate the annual run despite Children and Youth Day being canceled by turning her love of the sport into a chance to give back.

"I'm so happy that it worked out well. I've been planning for a really long time so it's just so rewarding to have all the kids here and just run and see them all enjoying it... This is a perfect community service project for me as a runner, I knew there were going to be hardships, but I just tried to get through it and focus on the kids and help them have a really great day" said Jones.

With no state funds or backing she used social media to help spread the word begin fundraising for for the 1K and 3K races held at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park around 80 kids participated in the free event Sunday morning.

"The effort that she put out and the ability to coordinate and organize the comments from everybody was just outstanding. Everyone was just impressed with her as a 15-year old being able to do that" said her father, Pete Jones.

To Jones, the event was about more than just a run, it was about bringing the communities together. So, prior to the event she passed out registration forms to homeless children in the area.

"I decided to go see the homeless encampments because I knew that there's been a lot of negativity at Kaka'ako lately so this could give them something positive to look forward to" said Jones.

According to Jones, she doesn't know if any Kaka'ako homeless children participated in the run, but believes it is a great starting point for opening a dialogue.

"I think the gesture itself made them feel good, that they always welcomed."

Jones plans to organize the event again next year with the hopes for an even bigger turnout.