The Lycoming County Special Olympics held its 24th annual bowling competition Nov. 17.
This year's event saw 62 athletes and their unified partners compete in singles and doubles competition at Faxon Bowling Lanes. These individuals have trained on a weekly basis starting Sept. 8 and culminating with the Nov. 17 competition. The event started with welcoming remarks, reciting of the Special Olympic Oath by athlete Becky Belzer and the presentation of the Olympic torch by athlete Gabe Crawley and his unified partner and brother Hunter Crawley.
All athletes are placed in divisions based on ability, which is determined from their averages from their training sessions. Each athlete then competes against those placed in their division with all athletes receiving finishing awards determined by their scores.
Those athletes placing first second or third in their division and meeting all requirements are eligible for a random drawing to determine who will be representing Lycoming County at the state's Central Regional competition.
More than 300 athletes from the central section of Pennsylvania compete at this event held in March in the Harrisburg area with 30 of those athletes being selected to move on to state competition held at Penn State in June.
United Commercial Travelers Council 350 served as the sponsor again for this year's training and competition. They have served as the event sponsor for all 24 years and in addition to providing financial and volunteer support the organization also provides a pizza party for the athletes, coaches and volunteers at the conclusion of the competition.
For more information about Special Olympics, call 279-0440.
