Email
Print
Kingpins make their mark on Special Olympics
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: August 29, 2008
The Special Olympics of Lake Norman's "Kingpins' racked up royal-like numbers during the course of their participation in this season's Special Olympics of North Carolina Mid-Summer Games.
Convening on sites throughout the Raleigh area for competition that included bowling, tennis and equestrian events, it was on the first when the SOLN Kingpins made their mark.
The area-based program entered a contingent of eight representatives in the bowling competition, covering the lanes in regards to four-player team, two-player team and singles participation. When all balls had been rolled, every single SOLN competitor earned a top-three podium finish within the respective divisions, efforts that also came full cycle with the claiming of several gold medals acknowledging first-place performances.
The doubles tandem of Chris Ware and John Coons, each making their respective debuts in SONC Games level competition, made quite a grand entrance. The pair racked up impressive pin totals right from the start of their two-day and five-game display, emerging as gold medal winners to boot within their age and playing division.
In singles bowling, it looked like anything but the first time for local entry Marti Hill. One of two SOLN bowlers participating in the singles competition, Hill started at the top as she, too, rolled her way to a gold medal-winning performance within her ability and playing division.
Also in singles play, area rep Kim Tolbert fashioned a bronze medal-claiming display to show for her third-place division finish.
In the four-member team division, the quarters comprised of Chris Stiidd, Justin Teague, Brent Troutman and Branson Severt fought their way all the way back from as far as a next-to-last place status following the first full day of keggling to account for the single highest number of pins knocked down over the course of the final day's play. As a result, they combined their efforts to lead the foursome to a third-place and bronze medal winning act.
The SOLN bowling contingent was guided on the lanes by the efforts of coaches Sandy Stidd and Randy Tolbert, along wit the assistance provided by Rod Stidd and Cathy and Chet Hill.
With every competitor hailing from the local association meriting some sort of podium appearance during the weekend-long affair, it accounted for an impressive overall outing indeed for the still-infant SOLN program.
The opening ceremonies of the Mid-Summer games were staged at the coliseum on the campus of the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. After the opening processional, the participants were welcomed to the attraction by SONC executives. Games were then declared officially open by Miss North Carolina.
The Olympic Torch was then lit after a procession of North Carolina police officers escorted the flame into the arena. After the lighting, all in attendance were treated to a dance at the host convention center.
The SOLN continues to welcome new athletes to the program. Volunteer coaches are also needed to assist in the training of the athletes.
Any and all interested in additional information can contact David Cooper, local coordinator, at 704-662-6684.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
