Limerick Bowling Center to host Special Olympics tournament

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 is the accrediting body for more than 50 area, county and city programs within Pennsylvania including Montgomery County. Special Olympics Pennsylvania 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 its Annual Countywide Tournament on Sunday, Dec. 2, 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

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO 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.