Thanks to Partners in Education at Bowlero, more than 120 Special Olympics athletes from Columbia County, McDuffie County, and Richmond County School Districts participated in the competition.
Crystal Strickland, Columbia County School District Special Olympics Coordinator and Adaptive PE teacher, said the event was similar to a regional competition and is one of several competitive events the area’s student-athletes participate in.
For the bowling competition, student-athletes were grouped according to pre-competition scores and bowled two games. Winners placed first through fourth in each lane, based on scores.
This is the event’s first year back since the pandemic, and everyone was excited to return to the fun.
“Special Olympics is just such a special time for our kids to come in and compete,” Strickland said.
Bowlero of Augusta donated all of the lanes for the competition, and many student and family volunteers also participated in the event.
“Our kids are so special to us, and that’s what it’s all about,” Strickland said. “It’s just a great time to come together in this competition and we just love it. You have to be a part of it to really see the joy and the love.”
The next Special Olympics event will take place on March 24, 2023.
