A total of 19 Battle Ground Special Olympics athletes participated in a regional qualifying bowling event in October at Crosley Lanes in Vancouver. After the final pins were dropped, 11 of Battle Ground’s special-education athletes advanced to the Southwest Regional tournament, the most ever for the Tigers.
“I’m just very proud of all the kids that participated,” coach Jason Otto said. “They did very well, and their performance was just outstanding to represent us at the tournament.”
The 11 athletes will be traveling to Silverdale near Bremerton for the Southwest Regional Competition Special Olympics bowling tournament on Sunday, Nov. 9, at All Star Lanes and Casino for the Southwest Regional tournament. Not only did the 11 athletes qualify for the regional tournament with their sub-regional performance in October, but with each earning a first-place finish, that qualifies them for state already, Otto said.
One athlete, Hezekiah Hewes, bowled phenomenally well to become state-bound. Hewes performed when the lights shined the brightest. He bowled a new career high 152, Otto said.
“He’s been off and on during practice and stuff, and for him just to come out and shine like that was very, very outstanding,” Otto said.
For Otto, to see a count of 11 athletes qualify for the regional competition was very impressive and meant the world to him. Otto said the performance by his team to qualify 11 to state is the most Battle Ground has ever had.
But with Special Olympics and unified sport events, the competition factor takes a back seat.
“My favorite part of it is just seeing these kids’ expressions on their faces and stuff every time they get a strike, you know, and do something really good,” Otto said. “It’s just great to see. They just all smile, have a great time. I really enjoy coaching the bowling team and stuff because they just have a good time out there.”
Otto also thanked the loving support from the school and community for the Futures program students.
