LONG BEACH – As Special Olympics Southern California begins its 50th anniversary celebration, the 2018 Bowling Championship will celebrate its first year as its own championship competition. The history-making day will come on Aug. 25 at Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley, Calif.
More than 400 SOSC athletes will compete at the first standalone bowling championships. Bowling had been a part of the annual Fall Games in November but was moved to its own season in the summer. SOSC unveiled a new sports plan, including new sports, to help it serve more athletes than ever before, provide more competition opportunities for each athlete, and enhance the athlete experience.
“Among the goals in our four-year strategic plan for 2017 through 2020 was to identify how best we could serve our current athletes as well as present opportunities for new athletes,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “We saw great success to start the year, with floor hockey moving to its own season with a dedicated championship in March. We are now seeing the success at the regional competitions this summer for bowling. We are very excited for the 2018 Bowling Championship in less than two weeks.”
The Championship will be the culmination of regional and area competitions, which saw an increase in participation this season. Those included:
· Long Beach Area Bowling Competition (July 14)
· Western San Bernardino Area Bowling Competition (July 21)
· San Diego Regional Bowling Competition (July 21)
· Santa Clarita Regional Bowling Competition (July 21)
· Pomona Valley Area Bowling Competition (July 28)
· Inland Empire Regional Bowling Competition (July 28)
· Ventura County Bowling Competition (July 28)
· Orange County Bowling Competition (Aug. 4)
· Whittier Area Bowling Competition (Aug. 4)
· Kern County Regional Bowling Competition (Aug. 5)
· Antelope Valley Bowling Competition (Aug. 11)
· Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley Regional Bowling Competition (Aug. 11)
· Tri-Valley Regional Bowling Competition (Aug. 18)
· San Diego Regional Competition (Aug. 18)
Opening Ceremony will start the Bowling Championship at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25. Competitions will begin at 8:15 a.m. Athletes from as far north as Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo to as far south as San Diego will compete.
Featured exhibits will include Rafer’s Boutique, the Fan Zone, the Festival and Healthy Athletes Pavilion. Healthy Athletes program Special Smiles will offer free dental screenings to all athletes at the Championship.
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, and leadership programs. Special Olympics helps athletes become more independent, build self-esteem, and live healthier lives. They inspire people to open their hearts and create more accepting and inclusive communities. All Special Olympics programs are free to the athletes and their families. Learn more at www.sosc.org.