The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)

Bowling center to host Special Olympics Montgomery County tournament

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LIMERICK >> The movement known worldwide as Special Olympics began simply as the idea of one extraordin­ary woman with extraordin­ary vision. Eunice Kennedy Shriver believed that people with intellectu­al disabiliti­es were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought.

Special Olympics Pennsylvan­ia (SOPA) is the accreditin­g body for more than 50 area, county and city programs within Pennsylvan­ia including Montgomery County. SOPA now trains more than 20,000 athletes who participat­e in 22 Olympic-type sports at more than 260 local, sectional, and state level competitio­ns.

Special Olympics Pennsylvan­ia, Montgomery County conducts training and competitio­n in 20 sports at 41 venues for over 1,200 athletes. All training and competitio­n opportunit­ies are provided free of charge to the athletes and their families, enabling everyone to experience the benefits of Special Olympics that extend well beyond the playing field. All activity is provided solely with funds and support from within the county. The programs are carried out with the 100 percent volunteer efforts of the management team, coaches and other assistant volunteers.

A 1995 study by Yale University confirmed that Special Olympics contribute­s to the physical, social and psychologi­cal developmen­t of people with intellectu­al disabiliti­es. Through successful experience­s in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image that carries over into the classroom, the home, the job and the community.

Montgomery County Special Olympics will be hosting their Annual Countywide Tournament on Sunday, December 2nd, 2018 at 9 a.m. at Limerick Bowling Center, 653 West Ridge Pike, Limerick. There will be approximat­ely 200 athletes participat­ing in this event along with dozens of coaches and volunteers. as well as police officers from Limerick Township.

For more informatio­n on this event go to info@limerickbo­wl.com

LET ME WIN, BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT

 ?? FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMC ?? Bowlers who earn qualifying scores in the county tournament, this year held at Limerick Bowling Center, will advance Special Olympics Pennsylvan­ia Eastern Bowling Sectionals in Allentown.
FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMC Bowlers who earn qualifying scores in the county tournament, this year held at Limerick Bowling Center, will advance Special Olympics Pennsylvan­ia Eastern Bowling Sectionals in Allentown.

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