The Ak-Chin Indian Community Police Department hosted the fourth annual Arizona Special Olympics Bowling Tournament that featured lots of strikes and plenty of fun to spare.
Hosted in April, the event started with bowling fun for the Special Olympians and included a celebration lunch. During lunch, members of the Sidewinders, the Arizona Rattlers dance team and cheerleading squads visited with Special Olympians before a surprise appearance by Arizona Rattlers mascot Stryker.
After a group photo of the Special Olympians and guests, it was time for the first game of the bowling tournament. A total of 84 bowlers participated in the tournament, held at Ten Pins Down inside the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. Ak-Chin Indian Community Councilman Gabe Lopez hosted a family team with his sister, Special Olympian Lanita Lopez. Ak-Chin Indian Community elder Genevieve Miguel and her family wore team t-shirts to recognize their family member, the late Ortencia “Mia” Miguel. Genevieve also donated handmade baskets for the raffle. Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman Robert Miguel hosted a family team, Team Jazzer, and Ak-Chin Indian Community Vice-Chairman Delia Carlyle hosted an ASU and UofA -themed team.
Gabriel Lopez
After two bowling sessions, the top four teams moved to the championship round. These teams were: Can’t Believe It’s Not Gutter, Team 42, Rare Spares, and Eyman Complex. The participants enjoyed the final round, with strike after strike and scores staying close. Trophies were awarded to the first, second and third placed teams. Team 42 won first place and ousted last year’s winner, Eyman Complex, who came in second. The Rare Spares took third place.
In addition to bowling fun, a raffle with many donated items was held to raise additional funds to benefit Arizona Special Olympics. Lieutenant Sylvia Soliz of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Police Department stated, “Each year the tournament gets bigger and better, with more participation, raffle donations, and prizes.”
All proceeds raised from the bowling tournament and raffle benefit Arizona Special Olympics. Special thanks go to the generous support of volunteers, everyone who donated raffle items, and for the participation from all teams. Also, Lieutenant Soliz says, “A special thank you goes to Josh Montgomery, State Coordinator for Special Olympics, the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle for their continued support in making this event a success year after year.”
[rev_slider sponsors1]
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
You must be logged in to post a comment.