Bowling

Special Olympics bowling is one of the fastest growing sports. When it was first included at the 1987 Special Olympics World Summer Games, bowling was dominated by American athletes and hosted only 33 competitors. At the 1995 World Games, just eight years later, bowling boasted 454 athletes from 23 countries around the globe.

Many athletes choose bowling because it is a sport people enjoy for leisure as well as competition. Although there are some modifications for athletes with physical disabilities, most athletes compete under the same rules and circumstances as athletes on a professional tour.

Special Olympics bowling also includes a Unified Sports ® division. In this competition athletes with and without mental retardation compete on the same team. Their score is averaged, and the best averaged score wins.

Charles County has had world class bowlers compete at Special Olympics World Summer Games. Our first Unified doubles team, composed of athlete David Wagner and partner Michael Wagner, are the first alternates for the 2003 World Summer Games to be held in Dublin, Ireland.

As with all Special Olympics sports bowlers are required to practice for at least eight weeks and attend two qualifying competitions to advance to the state tournament. Bowling is contested at the Special Olympics Maryland Spring Sports Classic which is held in Towson. Check out the calendar for days, times, and locations.