Special Olympics Wisconsin: Right up our Alley
December 06, 2018 | Men's Golf, Women's Swimming & Diving, Badgers Give Back, Varsity Magazine
Badgers cheer on Special Olympics athletes competing at State Bowling tournament
MADISON, Wis. — A bowling alley filled with laughter and friendly competition, Wisconsin Athletics student-athletes moved from the court onto the sidelines to cheer on new friends at the Special Olympics Regional Bowling match.
Members of the Wisconsin men's golf and women's swimming and diving teams stopped by the bowling alley and were excited to spend the day watching the participants do what they love.
"I was assigned to a group of four women who had so much energy and a true love for bowling," said Kelsi Artim, a UW swimmer.
During the tournament, positive energy filled the bowling alley and the only thing that mattered was having fun.
"I thought it was truly amazing how positive they were about everything. Win or lose, they were having the best time, and it was very cool to be a part of that," Artim added.
As the Special Olympics athletes waited to bowl, they spent time building relationships with the Wisconsin student-athletes.
"We started off with just some small talk, but by about halfway through the first game we all got very into the game and cheering each other on," said UW golfer Pete Kuhl.
"By the end of the tournament, it felt like we had all become good friends even though we only had a short time together."
The relationships stemmed from the teamwork mentality that helped make the tournament something to remember.
"Whether they got a strike or only knocked down one pin, they would always come back with a smile and give knuckles to all of their team members," said Kuhl.
Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) offers numerous opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities eight years old or older to participate in different sports. In hopes of uniting people with similar gifts and talents, SOWI strives to give participants the joy of sport, and bowling is just one of many opportunities.
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