The Blue Valley Blue Streaks Special Olympics is at it again. Each year, they have a fundraiser, the Bowl-a-Thon, to raise money for things such as uniforms and equipment.
“All monies that are raised at the Bowl-A-Thon stay with Blue Valley Special Olympics,” Nan Kanter, Blue Valley Special Populations/Special Olympics supervisor, said. “Proceeds are used for uniforms, equipment, travel expenses, entry fees, and awards.”
Blue Valley Special Olympics is an organization that offers recreational sports teams to children and adults with disabilities. Fall sports offered include soccer, bowling and volleyball. These sports provide ways for those with disabilities to learn teamwork and have a sport experience like a typical child.
This is the 22nd year that they have held the Bowl-A-Thon, and each year it gets bigger and bigger. Studenets and peers encouraged to come, as it all adds to the experience.
“With each passing year, the number of participants as well as sponsors has increased,” Kanter said. “ This year we have 60 Lane Sponsors and hopefully we will have a lot of bowlers from the community. Last year there were 269 bowlers. We are hoping to have 300 bowlers this year.”
Over the course of the event, there are a large variety of door prizes that are given away. There are also grand prizes that are given to participants who have the highest pledges.
“Everyone leaves the event with a door prize, a ‘goody bag,’ and a great feeling of satisfaction,” Kanter said.
This event is highly anticipated for athletes and their families alike. It is a social event that is judgement-free and a clean atmosphere.
“You can expect to see lots of smiles, happy faces and an upbeat atmosphere,” Kanter said.
The Bowl-A-Thon is unique because not many people have heard of it, but the energy level and impact it makes on the community is huge.
“When Blue Valley Special Olympics began, we were looking for a unique way to raise some money for our team,” Kanter said. “There were already several runs taking place in the area for some wonderful causes. We thought we should try and do something different to raise money. Also bowling is a sport that everyone in the community can participate in.”
The event is not just for the athletes and their families. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to come. Part of the goal for Special Olympics is that everyone is equal and stereotypes are pushed to the side. It allows for those who are hesitant to approach someone with a disability to get to know them better.
“Having a fundraiser where everyone could successfully participate seemed liked the right thing to do,” Kanter said. “Participants can bowl with a Special Olympic athlete and get to know them.”
There are many ways to help out in this event besides bowling. Aside from volunteering, students can encourage friends, family members, youth groups, scouts, etc. to form teams to come and bowl. There is so much work that goes into the event, but for the families of the athletes, it is all worth it in the end to see the smile on their child’s face.
“I love seeing all of the people that have come together and worked so hard to make this event a success,” Kanter said. “It takes many months of planning by many different committees. It is so rewarding to me to see all of the athletes, their families as well as the many community members attending the event and supporting us in so many ways.”
“All monies that are raised at the Bowl-A-Thon stay with Blue Valley Special Olympics,” Nan Kanter, Blue Valley Special Populations/Special Olympics supervisor, said. “Proceeds are used for uniforms, equipment, travel expenses, entry fees, and awards.”
Blue Valley Special Olympics is an organization that offers recreational sports teams to children and adults with disabilities. Fall sports offered include soccer, bowling and volleyball. These sports provide ways for those with disabilities to learn teamwork and have a sport experience like a typical child.
This is the 22nd year that they have held the Bowl-A-Thon, and each year it gets bigger and bigger. Studenets and peers encouraged to come, as it all adds to the experience.
“With each passing year, the number of participants as well as sponsors has increased,” Kanter said. “ This year we have 60 Lane Sponsors and hopefully we will have a lot of bowlers from the community. Last year there were 269 bowlers. We are hoping to have 300 bowlers this year.”
Over the course of the event, there are a large variety of door prizes that are given away. There are also grand prizes that are given to participants who have the highest pledges.
“Everyone leaves the event with a door prize, a ‘goody bag,’ and a great feeling of satisfaction,” Kanter said.
This event is highly anticipated for athletes and their families alike. It is a social event that is judgement-free and a clean atmosphere.
“You can expect to see lots of smiles, happy faces and an upbeat atmosphere,” Kanter said.
The Bowl-A-Thon is unique because not many people have heard of it, but the energy level and impact it makes on the community is huge.
“When Blue Valley Special Olympics began, we were looking for a unique way to raise some money for our team,” Kanter said. “There were already several runs taking place in the area for some wonderful causes. We thought we should try and do something different to raise money. Also bowling is a sport that everyone in the community can participate in.”
The event is not just for the athletes and their families. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to come. Part of the goal for Special Olympics is that everyone is equal and stereotypes are pushed to the side. It allows for those who are hesitant to approach someone with a disability to get to know them better.
“Having a fundraiser where everyone could successfully participate seemed liked the right thing to do,” Kanter said. “Participants can bowl with a Special Olympic athlete and get to know them.”
There are many ways to help out in this event besides bowling. Aside from volunteering, students can encourage friends, family members, youth groups, scouts, etc. to form teams to come and bowl. There is so much work that goes into the event, but for the families of the athletes, it is all worth it in the end to see the smile on their child’s face.
“I love seeing all of the people that have come together and worked so hard to make this event a success,” Kanter said. “It takes many months of planning by many different committees. It is so rewarding to me to see all of the athletes, their families as well as the many community members attending the event and supporting us in so many ways.”
