Everett will speak at tourism summit

ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor Neil Everett will be a keynote speaker on the second day of the Global Tourism Summit at the Hawaii Convention Center, Sept. 20, the Hawaii Tourism Authority announced.

The three-day event (Sept. 19-21) is intended to “share the significance of the Hawaiian culture, global marketing, technology and innovation in presentations and panel discussions, with the overall intention of bringing people together to help improve tourism in Hawaii and abroad,” the HTA said in a press release Thursday.

Everett, who worked in local TV and radio and at Hawaii Pacific University before joining ESPN in 2000, will speak on, “Paying Aloha Forward – How Hawaii Saved My Life” and “will draw upon the inspiration of Hawaii’s aloha spirit …” the release read.

“Like people throughout the country, I’m a fan of ‘SportsCenter’ because of Neil Everett and how he cleverly combines fun with professionalism in the telling of scores and reporting of sports news,” said George D. Szigeti, HTA president and CEO. “You meet Neil and can quickly tell his soul is filled with a goodness to do what’s right and to help others, and much of that stems from him living in Hawaii. Attendees of the Global Tourism Summit will enjoy hearing his story of personal inspiration.”

Rio 100 takes Transpac’s Barn Door Trophy

Rio 100, skippered by Manouch Moshayedi, arrived early Thursday off Diamond Head to repeat as winner of the Transpac’s Barn Door Trophy, awarded to the first-to-arrive monohull without powered assistance.

Rio 100 completed the 2,225-mile journey from Los Angeles in 6 days, 17 hours, 9 minutes and 9 seconds despite the crew having to repair a hole in the hull.

“I credit this great crew for this victory,” Moshayedi said. “Their expertise and seamanship saved both the boat and our chances to repeat last year’s win.”

Beeman rounds out coaching staff

University of Hawaii women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman has completed her staff for the upcoming season with the addition of Darron Larsen.

Larsen, who spent the last two seasons as the top assistant at Pepperdine, will serve as an assistant coach and offensive coach for the Rainbow Wahine.

Larsen also has played professionally and coached in New Zealand.