Special Olympics

I had a wonderful opportunity and a great time today. I volunteered for Special Olympics. I was a bowling scorekeeper today. In our lanes there were 6 female bowlers. They were incredible. I have nicknames for each of them. The Dancer just had the most awesome personality and a pretty good bowling form. She was hard on herself, but had a great time and encouraged the others. The Bouncer loved powering the ball down the alley. She sought approval, but had a great sense of humor about the bowling. She was anxious and excited to play. The Quiet One was a great bowler and very polite. Granny was a small skinny girl who bowled with a granny shot. She had a slight right curve that came in handy at times. The Ringer was bowling over 110 each game. She was definitely the best player in our area. She had great form, but rarely said a word even though her smile said a lot. The Winger could go either way when bowling. She just flung the ball down the alley and with some consistency will be a great bowler.

It was only an afternoon and all I did was keep score and assist in moving the game along, but it was great. There were some mechanical difficulties, but everyone in our area made sure things ran very smoothly. We had so much fun laughing and encouraging each other. The athletes were very good, polite, and seemed to be having a great time.

This is the first National Special Olympics. There have been State and International Special Olympics, but nothing in between before. Ames, IA is the first host of this event and from the pictures and talk, I'd say things are going very smoothly. Come out and support the athletes and if you are able, volunteer.