Special Olympics New York and the Erie County Legislature announced on Thursday that the organization’s first-ever State Games Bowling Championships, titled The Final Frame, will be held on May 16 at AMF Airport Lanes in Cheektowaga.
The Erie County Legislature is sponsoring the event with $50,000 in funding, allowing the statewide championship to be hosted in Western New York for the first time.
Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman said bowling is one of the organization’s most popular and competitive sports, particularly in Western New York, and called Erie County’s support critical in making the new event possible.
“This is an important step for our athletes and for the growth of bowling within Special Olympics,” Hengsterman said.
Erie County Legislature Chair Tim Meyers said lawmakers were pleased to support the organization and welcomed the opportunity to host the tournament locally. Minority Leader John Mills also expressed support, noting the impact Special Olympics has on athletes and families across the region.
Local athlete and disability advocate Stephanie Speaker of Depew said the event will be especially meaningful for her and other bowlers.
“In 30 years of competing in Special Olympics, I’ve never had the chance to attend a State Games,” Speaker said. “To finally have that opportunity in my hometown and in my favorite sport is incredibly exciting.”
Until now, bowling has been part of the annual State Summer Games, held each June alongside other sports such as basketball, swimming and powerlifting. Special Olympics officials said creating a separate championship for bowling adds greater focus and recognition to the sport, while also allowing bowlers to participate in additional competitions during the summer games.
The May event is expected to draw athletes from across New York State and will mark the first time Special Olympics New York has held a stand-alone statewide bowling championship.
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