By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
Special Olympics Nevada hosted a bowling event on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Virgin River Bowling Alley.
Traditionally the Special Olympics include softball, bocci ball, track and field, aquatics basketball and bowling. However, bowling was the only event that could be held while following COVID restrictions this year.
Special Olympics Nevada Senior Director Harry Mong said that a one-day bowling event would allow for the highest numbers of athletes to participate while maintaining social distance requirements.
While the Special Olympics of Nevada organization has activities spanning throughout the state, Saturday’s event only included competitors from Mesquite, Beaver Dam and Moapa Valley. The regional group is called the “Mesquite Desert Stars” and the athletes proudly wore t-shirts with the name.
Other similar bowling events will take place in other regions of the state which will bring additional athletes together in their local venues.
Special Olympics coach, Jan Aslin explained that Saturday’s event offered great health benefits to the kids. She said that it is healthy for the kids to get out and be among their friends.
The tournament staff filmed the athletes from each participating area while the kids stood and yelled their team names with plenty of spirit. This video footage, along with that of other similar tournament around the state will be put together in a single presentation for all athletes to watch later on.
Health precautions were taken including sign-ins with signatures for everyone involved, wrist bands, floor spacing and face masks. Most participants brought their own bowling balls and shoes.
“I am real excited to be here and see my friends,” said Logandale athlete Cayson McClure. “It has been too long in the house!”
Many of the staff and coaches who were present have children that participated in the games.
Each athlete played two games and then left the area to allow for social distancing.
“The scores will be tallied after the games are over and the awards to winners will be personally delivered to their homes by Staff,” said Special Olympics Area Director Debbie Dorn. “No award ceremony gathering will be held.”
1 thought on “Special Olympics Bowling Tournament Held In Mesquite”
What a great event for our kids! As hard as it was to refrain myself from wanting to hug each one of them, we all behaved ourselves. I was very impressed with the flow and how smooth the process went in getting our kids back in the game! My Son Mark Welch had a smile on his face all day! Thank you Special Olympics for providing our kids with a long overdue day away from home with special friends! It was a great time!!