KIRKSVILLE, MO --  

Local athletes hit the bowling alley in Kirksville Saturday.
    
Special Olympics Missouri athletes competed in the annual bowling tournament at Leisure World.
    
Over 200 bowlers earned gold, silver, or bronze medals in singles, doubles, and team competitions.

“You get so much joy seeing the athletes compete and knowing all the hard work they put into it and we like to say we don't teach the athletes, they teach us. That's really a true statement there, it's what they teach us about sportsmanship, hard work, competitiveness, they're just as competitive as you and I,” said Tim Schuster, Northeast Area Director.
    
This is Kirksville's 5th year hosting the event.
    
Athletes from all over Northeast Missouri attended.
    
Schuster says everyone had an outstanding time at the bowling tournament, which is the kickoff event for the Special Olympics sports year.