Bowlers from the eastern part of Idaho came out to participate in the Regional Special Olympics Bowling Tournament.
The event took place at Snake River Bowling Alley and featured 120 bowlers, as well as 60 volunteers.
The best athletes from the different regions are then chosen to go on to international tournaments.
Local program coordinator Terry Kinkead shares why the sport is so fun for participants and spectators alike.
Says Kinkead, "it’s a lifetime sport. I think that's why the athletes like bowling so well, they can do it up until any age. Some have physical impairments besides cognitive disabilities and those that have physical disabilities can also do this."
Special Olympics Idaho offers training and competition to over 2,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 15 different sports.
Organizers say it's one of the largest bowling competitions they've ever had with 455 athletes competing in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. The athletes who competed today could qualify to move onto the state competition. But one thing these athletes know for sure is there's never a winner or loser in Special Olympics.
“Whether they do really well or whether they don't have a great bowling day, it doesn't matter to them. They're here, they’re having fun, it's about creating awareness for Special Olympics and it's about them having the opportunity to compete just like anyone else,” said Director of Development Karen Kraus.
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