Special Olympics bowling brings athletes of all abilities together in Kearney
Local competitors prepare for tournament focused on teamwork and belonging.
By Peter Rice:
KEARNEY, Neb. — The sound of bowling balls rolling down the lanes echoed through the alley this week as Special Olympics athletes in the Kearney area prepared for their upcoming tournament.
For athlete Robert Buck, the focus is simple.“ I’m doing singles today… it’s going good so far," said Buck.
Buck recently competed in unified bowling — where athletes with various abilities team up as partners.
He said he enjoys the challenge, even on the tougher days. “Sometimes I can’t throw my arms straight in time, but it’s no big deal,” he said. “I’m trying my best.”
That mindset is exactly what organizers say the program is all about.
Head of Delegation for Kearney Area Special Olympics Jennifer Behlmann oversees the local program, which offers nine different sports throughout the year — including basketball, swimming, track, softball, bocce, cornhole and powerlifting.
Right now athletes are competing in Spring sports such as bowling, basketball, swimming and track, with volleyball beginning soon.
Summer Games feature volleyball, track and swimming, while Fall Classic includes soccer, bocce and softball. But bowling remains one of the program’s most popular offerings.
“Bowling is fun because people of all abilities can do bowling,” said Behlmann. “We have ramp bowling as well as traditional bowling, so everybody gets to participate.”
She said unified sports, where athletes without disabilities compete alongside athletes with disabilities, are especially meaningful.
“That’s probably my favorite part of this — just having everybody come together,” she said. “It makes my athletes feel so much more part of the community, and they are part of the community.”
The Kearney program serves athletes starting at age eight and includes participants in their 60s.
“I think that’s one of the best parts about Special Olympics,” she said. “Anybody of any age can be a part of it. We have lots of different activities, so you can always find something that you enjoy.”
As for Buck, he’s keeping his goals straightforward heading into competition. “I’m just going to try my best… and do what I gotta do.”