Blue Valley Special Olympics holds annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser

Blue Valley Special Olympics began in the fall of 1988 with 10 athletes and one sport. Now, the organization offers 13 sports and has about 150 athletes participating in at least one sport.

To benefit the Blue Streaks Special Olympics team, the 21st Annual Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction is Saturday, Nov. 7, at AMF College Lanes, 10201 College Blvd., Overland Park. Participants can choose to bowl at 1 or 3:30 p.m.

For a minimum $25 donation, participants can bowl two games and every bowler will receive a door prize. Grand prizes will be awarded to bowlers who collect the most monetary donations. Participants will be entered in a drawing to win prizes including gift certificates, merchandise and more. Participants also can bid on a variety of silent auction items donated by area businesses. All proceeds from the event, hosted by Blue Valley Recreation, will be used for uniforms, equipment, travel expenses, entry fees and awards for Special Olympians.

Blue Valley Special Olympics Program Coordinator Nan Kanter said that during times of economic prosperity and hardship, the local business community continues to rally its resources for Special Olympics. In 2008, the Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction raised almost $40,000.

“Special Olympics are such a well-known organization. It was started by Eunice Kennedy Shriver,” Kanter said. “I think that people open their hearts to Special Olympics athletes and what it stands for. It’s something that no matter what their disability is, in Special Olympics there’s a place for everybody.”

Since Kanter started Special Olympics at Blue Valley Recreation 21 years ago, she said the program and its athletes have experienced “tremendous personal growth.”

Basketball became the first Special Olympics sport, followed by bowling. Now, Kanter also coordinates soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, tennis, aquatics, track and field, softball, t-ball, golf, bocce ball and unified sports teams.

Athletes have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and state competitions for each sport. For every sport, Kanter said, there are a couple of coaches, as well as assistant coaches and volunteers, including students, parents, siblings and community members.

Kanter, who has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education, said she has “always enjoyed working with the special needs population.” She also has a son with special needs who is involved in Special Olympics.

“He’s 33. He does bowling, volleyball, tennis, soccer ... He likes the unified sports,” Kanter said.

Blue Valley Special Olympics is open to participants age 8 and older.

“We’ve got athletes that are 8 years old and we also have athletes that are in their 40s,” Kanter said. “When we go to some of our state events, you’ll see athletes older than that. It allows athletes to continue to stay in Special Olympics.

“Now (the organization is) starting programs for athletes younger than 8, working more with basic skills, so by the time they’re 8, they’ll feel comfortable fitting in with our program. In Blue Valley, we’re trying to get more involved with the younger athletes.”

Kanter said she often receives positive feedback about the program from parents, guardians and caregivers.

“It gives their child some place where they belong. It builds their self-confidence, and the athletes certainly look forward to it, whether it’s practices, games or the competitions,” Kanter said. “They feel good about themselves and they’re able to make friends and be social.

“I’ve had some families who have moved away and been involved in other Special Olympics programs. Then they moved back here for whatever reason, and they said they were thrilled to be back because Blue Valley has such a very strong Special Olympics program. That means a lot to me. Even though I’m in charge of the program, I couldn’t do it without all the wonderful volunteers I have helping.”

FAST FACTS

Registration for the 21st Annual Bowl-A-Thon and Silent Auction for Special Olympics will be accepted through Thursday, Nov. 5, at Blue Valley Recreation Complex, 6545 W. 151st St., Overland Park. For more information, call 685-6015 or visit bluevalleyrec.org.

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