Special Olympics bowling championships returns Friday

Special Olympics Montana is hosting Havre's Bowling Championships Friday at Harvest Moon Lanes.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. for volunteers and teams competing, the opening ceremony starts out at 9:15 followed by the first flight of bowlers starting at 9:30 and the second flight at 11:30 a.m.

"This has been an annual event since 2017, and we're hoping to continue well into the future," Special Olympics Montana Sports Director Scott Held said. 

He said the Havre Bowling Championships will have teams from as far as Cut Bank, Great Falls and Opheim who are coming together to compete, adding that in total 116 competitors are registered, with 82 athletes, five unified partners and team coaches or volunteers.

The event is still looking for volunteers to help out. The organizers are in need of scorekeepers for the event.

Held added that lunch will be provided Friday for volunteers who come out.

People interested in volunteering for Special Olympics Montana can call the Special Olympics Montana State Office, at 406-216-5327, or to go to the organization's website, under volunteer at https://www.somt.org/day-event-volunteer-openings/ . 

Multiple categories are available at the Bowling Championships for the athletes to participate in, he said, which includes singles, singles ramp unassisted, singles ramp  assisted, doubles and teams as well the athletes and unified partners compete together in unified doubles and unified teams.

"We enjoy providing these opportunities and experiences to our athletes, families and teams," Held said. "It's great to see the teams and catch up with the athletes and coaches, and nothing makes us happier than seeing an athlete succeed in showing off their abilities."

He said the event gives athletes the opportunity to travel, socialize with peers and friends and earn awards for their hard work.

"The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community," Held said.