Special Olympics: Hope residents hit the lanes during bowling tournament
Hope resident Joyce took hold of her bowling ball and placed it onto a ramp. After repositioning it, she gives it a small push and watches as the ball travels down the ramp, down the lane and knocks downs the pins at the other end.
Joyce was one of seven Hope residents that recently competed in the Area 9/State Tournament Special Olympics for Bowling at the Wow Zone in Mankato, MN. Other Hope athletes on the Belle Plaine Wizardz team included Gloria, Rena, Sean, Heather, Christina, and Desiree. The group earned four medals and three ribbons in the tournament.
“It’s not always about getting the medal or winning. It’s about having fun while you do it. The motto of the Special Olympics is ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’” explained Deb Wirt, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator at Hope.
Some of the best parts of the competition include being able to see friends and meet new people, along with bowling a different bowling alley.
To prepare for the tournament, the Belle Plaine Wizardz practice weekly at Borough Bowl. During practice, the athletes learn exactly what they have to do to compete while bowling.
“They have to know the routine and be able to push or throw the bowling ball themselves,” said Deb. “Coaches aren’t allowed help during the state tournament.”
The team will continue to practice bowling as they prepare for the Unified Doubles competition which is held in February. Unified partners are two people, one with an intellectual disability and one without, who compete together and encourage each other during competition.
Support Special Olympics and other activities at Hope Residence by donating online at www.tlha.org/donate.