Special Olympics gets rolling at Limerick Bowl

LIMERICK >> The Olympic torch may have already been extinguished in Rio but the spirit of the games live on every weekend this fall.

About 70 athletes ranging in age from 8 to over 60 years old from across the region participated in the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics bowling

league at Limerick Bowl.

Also taking part in the ceremony were members of the Limerick Police De- partment, who carried a lit torch into the bowling alley with the athletes; four athletes who carried a banner and the Special Olympics flag; and the SpringFord Area School District Color Guard and SpringFord student singers, who performed the National Anthem.

The ceremony kicked off the fourth season of the 12-week bowling league, which will run every Saturday at 11 a.m. through Nov. 26, followed by a countywide tournament Dec. 4.

The league features bowlers with all types of disabilities. From wheelchairs, to walkers, amputees, to athletes with Down syndrome, the league runs the gamut, according to Tina Cappiello, site coordinator for Special Olympics bowling at Limerick Bowl. The top athletes will compete for a chance to go the sectional tournament and then possibly the state competition. The league started after a league at the Facenda Whitaker Lanes in East Norriton saw great success.

To participate or volunteer in the Special Olympics bowling league at Limerick Bowl, contact manager Ron Nichols at 610-495-7143 or call Cappiello at 484-744-0030.

Molly Molly McCann gives some bowling pointers to Rosalynn Milbourn on the opening day of the Special Olympics bowling league season Sept. 10, 2016.

PHOTOS BY BOB RAINES The Spring-Ford Area High School Color Guard leads the parade of athletes as the Special Olympics bowling league begins their season Sept. 10, 2016.