KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Special Olympic bowlers from around Northeast Missouri came together with friends and family this Saturday afternoon at Leisure World in Kirksville for a bowling tournament.
The annual event included 13 teams and 150 bowlers. The teams were unified meaning they had bowlers with developmental disabilities and others who wanted to join in on the fun. There were several divisions depending on the teams' averages.
The Area Director for Special Olympics Missouri said it's a great opportunity for the Special Olympic athletes to get out the house and have some fun.
"It's a chance for them to compete," said Tim Schuster.
"It's a chance for them to prove themselves. These guys have been practicing for 6-8 weeks to get to this event. Before this event, they've been coming to weekly practices. It's a chance for them to showcase all that they've learned at the practices."
And one Special Olympic athlete shared KTVO why he loves the event.
"The tournament...awesome. 'Why is that?,' ...because I like to win," said Antonio Crump, a member of the Moberly Olympians team.
The teams that won gold and silver medals will advance to the Regional Special Olympics bowling tournament in Kansas City in March.
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