P.E.I. members enjoying opportunity to compete at home
Dyment, Ramsay discuss participation in Special Olympics 2018 championships
It’s a special week for all Team P.E.I. members at the Special Olympics Canada 2018 bowling championships. They not only have the opportunity to compete for national championships, but get to experience it on home soil.
“I have enjoyed it,” said Kevin Ramsay, 48. “I’m proud of how we have done.” Ramsay, who is from Tyne Valley, is a member of Team P.E.I.’s tenpin team that is competing at Credit Union Place in Summerside and the Tyne Valley lanes. Ramsay opened the team competition on Wednesday with a three-game total of a very respectable 319 after scores of 95, 88 and 136 in the team competition. P.E.I.’s fivepin team is competing at Murphy’s Community Centre in Charlottetown.
“I had fun, and had lots of strikes,” said Ramsay, who added he was especially proud of his 136 score.
Wayne Dyment of Summerside is a teammate of Ramsay, Paul Phillips of Summerside and Jenna Smith of Ellerslie on P.E.I.’s tenpin team.
“It’s a very good experience,” Dyment told the Journal Pioneer in an interview on Wednesday night. “We did very well. We had three awesome scores.”
Dyment, 43, registered a 262 total after games of 82, 89 and 91.
Highlights
Although the event is only three days old, there have been no shortages of highlights for Ramsay and Dyment.
“It’s great to meet other people, and it’s great to see other people,” said Dyment in explaining he loves meeting athletes from all across Canada. “I’m happy that they are here, and they like it here.”
For Ramsay, one moment that sticks out was Tuesday’s opening ceremony at UPEI. “I liked the entertainment and music,” said Ramsay. “Lennie Gallant was my favourite.” Wednesday’s opening day of competition attracted a full house at the Credit Union Place’s lanes. That support did not go unnoticed by Ramsay and Dyment.
“It’s great to have the people here cheering you on,” added Dyment.
With the team competition concluded, Ramsay and Dyment teamed up in doubles on Thursday afternoon. Smith and Phillips also formed a team while all four members of Team P.E.I. will compete in individual play on Friday.
The event will conclude at Credit Union Place on Saturday. The tenpin medal ceremonies are scheduled for 9 a.m., with the closing ceremonies set to go at 7 p.m.