The 2019 Special Olympics Georgia State Masters Bowling took place over the weekend in Warner Robins, Aug. 16-18. The tournament hosted over 1,030 athletes from across the state of Georgia who competed in traditional and unified bowling.
Special Olympics Georgia Master’s Bowling Tournament included singles, unified team and ramp bowling competitions. Special Olympics Georgia CEO, Georgia Milton-Sheats said she was very appreciative of the City of Warner Robins.
“We cannot be any more appreciative to Warner Robins for their great friendship and gracious hospitality,” Milton-Sheats said. “From athletes, to team members [and] to volunteers, our organization continuously looks forward to this event.”
The 2019 Opening Ceremonies kicked off Friday, Aug. 16, at 7:00 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church. Marsha Buzzell, director of the Warner Robins Convention and Visitors Bureau, welcomed everyone.
“We are so happy that you all are back here again and love that you’re here in the heart of Georgia with us,” Buzzell said. “This is all about you and we wish you all the best.”
Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms and Colonel Brian Moore, Commander of the 78th Air Base Wing at Robins Air Force Base, also welcomed the athletes. Moore revealed it was his first time attending event.
“This is an exciting time, and on behalf of the men and women at Robins Air Force Base, we love being a part of this event. We share the same values as the athletes, and that is being excellent in all you do,” Moore said.
The ceremony continued with the traditional parade of athletes with mayor Toms and Mason Massey serving as grand marshals. Georgia State Patrol Honor Guard and bagpiper Dan Bray led the procession as well. Athlete Joshuya Siegler led the oath of the athletes. The lighting of the torch followed the parade, signifying the beginning of the tournament to which Warner Robins Police officers Sgt. Eric Trischan, detective Trent Vanlannen, administrative assistant Cristi Gillen, officer Greg Martin, and Chief John Wagner led the running of the torch with athletes Bobby Calhoun, James Parker, Rodriguez Ivey and Charlie Morehend.
