http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-997557.mp3
MACOMB, IL – A group of bowlers got together at Digger's College Bowl in Macomb to celebrate a successful bowling season. It's a common year-end bash in recreational sports.
The bowlers participate in Special Olympics. Estelle Bath's 22 year old son, Dan, uses a walker to get around. He uses a ramp to send his ball down the lane. He also has help from an assistant.
Estelle Bath said competition offers Dan something she can't provide as a parent.
She said, "Let's face it. You want to be with your peers. You want to be with people like yourself. You don't want to be with your mom and dad all the time. And look at how much fun they're having. It's crazy. It's totally spontaneous."
Bath credits the program for helping her son mature. She said sportsmanship is just one of the lessons Dan has learned from adult competitors during his eight years in the program.
The athletes wouldn't have the chance to support each other and develop friendships without Special Olympics. Director Nikki Gray said many members of the group would be isolated without the program.
She said, They don't necessarily call each other up and say 'Hey do you want to hang out' or they may not have the resources to because transportation is always quite a feat for this population, especially in a rural area. This is just a great opportunity for them to have support."
Volunteer bowlers from the McDonough County Sheriff's Department, Macomb Police, Macomb City Hall and Western Illinois University joined the fun. The volunteers competed against the Olympians. The only rule change was the volunteers had to bowl with the non-dominant hand. Right-handers had to bowl left-handed; Left-handers had to bowl right-handed.
Estelle Bath hopes some will become regular volunteers.
Bath and her husband, Don, volunteer as coaches from Macomb, She said the need for volunteers grows when track and field season gets underway.
Bath said her son, Dan, is looking forward to competing in the 25-meter assisted walk.
The Special Olympians will celebrate future victories. They will shrug off future losses. They will talk about the competition the next time they get together for pizza and conversation.