Ak-Chin Indian Community Police Department Hosts Bowling Tournament Benefiting Arizona Special Olympics

The Ak-Chin Indian Community Police Department hosted the fourth annual Arizona Special Olympics Bowling Tournament, learn about what took place here.

Native American Culture

by
Carolyn Sostrom
05/24/2016

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.”
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Last Updated on 01/25/2019 by Carolyn Sostrom

About the Author:

Carolyn Sostrom

Biography:

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle.

She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*.

With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower.

She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.

Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.