NCR service members give Special Olympics athletes motivation, support at four-day bowling event

The sounds of pins being struck and the sight of automated bowling pin setters moving was constant at the Special Olympics District of Columbia -- Bowling Championships Feb 24. The four-day event brought hundreds of athletes and service members to the AMF Capital Plaza Bowling Center, in Hyattsville, Md., beginning Feb. 24 and ending March 3.

Two-hundred-and-eighty athletes, comprised of approximately 80 adults and 200 students from nine District of Columbia high schools, competed in the annual event, according to Anthony Sokenu, assistant director of sports for Special Olympics District of Columbia.

Athletes trained for 10 weeks prior to opening day to ensure they were ready to compete. Teams played two games on the first two days of the championships, and three games on the final two.

"These athletes are really great bowlers and attendees should be surprised by the scores," said Olivia Hunter, Naval District of Washington regional community service program manager said. "I mean, my husband has been bowling for years and he can't even produce some of these scores."

But the competitive edge witnessed on the lanes required the support from coaches and cheerleaders in uniform across the National Capital Region.

"We have many volunteers from last year who were excited to volunteer again this year," said Kelly Layne, Family Readiness Program trainer and Volunteer Opportunities program manager at Henderson Hall. "We have volunteer Marines from Marine Barracks 8th and I [Washington, D.C.], Headquarters and Service Battalion [Henderson Hall], the Pentagon and a handful from Fort Belvoir and Quantico," Layne said.

Volunteers from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces were designated a specific day to assist during the championships: members of the U.S. Marine Corps volunteered Feb. 24, the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard volunteered Feb. 25, the U.S. Navy volunteered March 2 and the U.S. Army volunteered during the medal presentation ceremony, March 3.

During the opening ceremony, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tim Bairstow, executive officer for Headquarters and Service Battalion Headquarters Marine Corps Henderson Hall, spoke of the significance of service members supporting individuals and communities beyond the confines of their respective installations.

"Everyone has fairly busy schedules, but for our service members to come out here and give back to the community speaks very highly of their character," Bairstow said.

Sentiments echoed by volunteers who were open about the long-term benefits of volunteering their time and support.

"More service members should make the time to help out and their leadership should accommodate them with rescheduling their shifts if need be, as well," said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Pamela Posey. "This is an opportunity for military members to give back. We have support shown to us, so service members should show support as well--and Special Olympics is a great way to do it."

"My first cousin has special needs, so I know the importance of the Special Olympics and the sense of camaraderie they get by us coming out to support them," said Lance Cpl. Jacory Tatum. "This is also an opportunity for me to pick up rank. Leadership will look at how I turned my free time into beneficial volunteer hours to help others. Just showing up to work on time and being proficient on your job does not make you competitive. It's also about looking out for your fellow man and the extracurricular activities."

Special Olympics District of Columbia is currently seeking volunteers for the 2016 Summer Games. That weeklong event means a larger pool of athletes and considerably more external support is needed.

"Track and field, soccer, tennis, volleyball and bocce are played in one week and will feature 1,600 athletes," Sokenu said.

Sokenu told the Pentagram he will need to recruit 3,000 volunteers.

"If you ever wanted to come to an event that changes your life once you leave, you should come to a Special Olympics event," Sokenu said. "These athletes have an amazing ability to touch people just by being who they are."

Service members interested in volunteering with the Special Olympics District of Columbia can call 202-408-2643 or email asokenu@specialolympicsdc.org.

Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.