This past weekend, more than 1,000 athletes, partners and coaches came to Warner Robins. They had only one thing on their minds: strikes. It wasn’t for baseball or softball, but rather for knocking over pins. The competition was the 2015 Special Olympics Master’s Bowling Tournament at Gold Cup Lanes and Robins Lanes.
According to Macon ARC Special Olympics and Activities Coordinator Rhonda Newell, “For them, it’s a big event and they love to bowl. The love the competition!” The Macon ARC team consisted of 22 bowlers, but some groups participating were much larger. In fact, the largest teams came from Cobb, Cherokee, Henry and Gwinnett counties bringing three tour busloads of competitors. The bowling competition featured singles, unified team and ramp bowling events.
One bowler who said golf was his ‘real’ sport, Adam Michelsen from Hall County, had already wrapped up a Bronze Medal and said, “I love bowling! I may not be the first, but I’m the best!”
He’s been a competitor on the lanes for three years now, but added, “In golf, I’ve won five gold medals.” He had high expectations for his team as well. He figured they’d take home Gold and Silver to go with his Bronze.
The lanes at Gold Cup were filled with competitors, and keeping a close watch on the event were their parents, family and coaches.
The annual event is a part of Special Olympics Georgia. The athletes also had a chance for free health screenings. The competition was tough, but all involved were winners for being a part of the event.
To learn more about Special Olympics visit www.specialolympicsga.org.
HHJ News
