BENNER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WJAC) — In the lead-up to the summer games at Penn State, Special Olympics Pennsylvania held a day of competition for our region's bowlers on Sunday at Bellefonte Lanes, in Benner Township, as well as across the state.
Asked how it feels to be on the lanes again, bowler Damian Smith said, "Feels pretty good. First time back this season."
Over 70 athletes tried to knock down some pins on Sunday.
"We had our state sectional in January that was canceled due to Covid cases. And now we are finally able to bring bowling back to our athletes so that they could get their bowling done and compete before spring sectionals come up," Erika Christiansen, the organization's Central Pennsylvania competition director, told 6 News.
That's happening April 23 at Saint Francis University.
One of the organization's officials told 6 News that membership for Special Olympics Pennsylvania fell by one-third during the pandemic. They said they want folks to know they are back, striking extra purpose into Sunday's event.
"Just so these athletes can get out there and perform and do what they love and get out here, smile, and be happy," said Christiansen.
"You must be seeing a lot of smiles on people's faces today," Douglas Braff asked.
"Oh my gosh. Everyone's so happy," she replied. "And it's amazing. Our community really came out today. We have so many volunteers that are really supporting us and our athletes love it."
"I just really enjoy bowling and I enjoy competing," said Smith. "Yeah, it's the Special Olympics. I really enjoy doing it. I do it for fun, too. 'cause I go up to the bowling alley in Waverly when I'm bored or have nothing to do and I bowl there."
And Cathy Keenan told 6 News she missed the community.
"They mean a lot. Being with friends and family and everybody that you know here."
While Sunday's competition was not for entering the summer games, June is fast approaching.
"We go to Penn State for summer games," Keenan said.
Christiansen told 6 News over 3,000 athletes will gather at Penn State's University Park campus from June 2 to June 4, and that they will need volunteers.
"It's gonna be incredible," said Christiansen.
If you want to volunteer for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, please check the flyer below.
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