Unified bowling athletes across Longmont came together for a friendly competition at Centennial Lanes on Monday.
Each year, special education students pair up with their peers and participate in several sports including bowling, basketball and track. Peer volunteers teach the fundamentals of each sport providing a fun experience for the athlete.
On Monday teams representing all of SVVSD’s schools filled the lanes at Centennial Lanes bowling alley. Each athlete took a turn rolling the ball of their choice down the lane. Pins crashed to the floor and teammates cheered loudly.
While score is kept, the players are really out there to have a good time. Some teams will qualify for regionals which will take place on Nov. 10 and possibly for state on Nov. 18. They will compete against other unified teams across Colorado.
“It’s a lot of fun. Everyone has a good time,” said Pete Scheck, athletic director for Longmont High School.
Calvin Keim, owner of Special Needs Trike in Longmont, and his girlfriend Anne watched their two sons compete on Monday. Keim said the event is always so much fun to watch and he can’t leave without a giant smile on his face.
“The kids all choose to play. Some schools have a few more and some a few less but it works out … Everyone who wants to be part of it can,” Scheck said.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Pete Scheck's name.
