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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Kids and adults with special needs from all over northeast Missouri met to come out on top.

The Special Olympics of Missouri held the 2012 Northeast Area Bowling Tournament at Leisure World in Kirksville Saturday.

Teams from Kirksville, Macon, Moberly, and Hannibal came to bowl and win their place to qualify for the regional tournament in St. Joseph in a few weeks.

Organizers say this is a great way for these kids and adults with disabilities to show off their athletic skills and their love of the game of bowling.

"It's why we are here. They compete and train just as you and I. They are out there every day working to get better. They are good like most of us," said Special Olympics of Missouri's Northeast Area Director Tim Schuster.

The winner of the regional tournament will get a chance to compete in the Missouri State Special Olympic Games, in Columbia, next summer.

For more information on the Special Olympics of Missouri, click here.