After months of practice and strong results...
Rich (right) earned a silver medal for bowling at the Special Olympics Summer State Games. The statewide championships brought athletes together in Richmond to test their skills at the highest level.
Competition for Everyone
Special Olympics bowling offers two categories of competition, Singles and Ramp. Athletes deliver the ball themselves in Singles, and Ramp allows the use of a ramp to deliver the ball. The two divisions open the sport to bowlers of all abilities.
Gabriel Homes spoke with Rich, who competed in singles, about spending the day in Richmond and winning the silver medal. Here’s what he had to say:
“The Special Olympics Summer Games had about 300 people competing in bowling. The championships had to be split between Friday and Saturday so everyone could compete. I went to the Special Olympics bowling state games on the second day because of work.
“The weather was so hot when we were in Richmond! I was happy that bowling was an indoor sport.”
“Everyone plays three games, and the league adds the points to decide the winners. I bowled 81, 134, and 105. The second one was one of the best in a long time, and I was proud that I could still bowl that high. My medal felt right because I worked hard on my bowling.
“I wanted to win the gold, but everyone was excited about me winning silver. It’s who I am: I want to be the best at bowling, and I’ll keep trying until I win.”
“The bowlers and coaches are good people to be around. We sit around and talk about our scores. Sometimes we show off the way we bowl if someone is struggling. There are always some good laughs, and the group is easy to hang out with and talk to. I love bowling because I win lots of medals, but the people bring me back each year.”
“Win the gold medal. The next bowling season starts in September, but I want to practice on my own this summer. I want to get a head start against other bowlers and score even higher by the fall. Let’s beat 134!”