Contacts: SOIA Vice President of Program Pam Wagner at 515-418-2282 or Joyce Allard, director of communications at 515-418-2278

On Saturday, November 17 more than 900 SOIA bowlers will compete in the annual State Bowling Tournament in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. The Cedar Rapids event takes place at Westdale Bowling Center, and the Des Moines competition takes place at Bowlerama Lanes and Merle Hay Lanes. Firestone Agriculture Group, the Bridgestone Trust Fund is the sponsor for this event.

The opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. with competition to follow. Athletes of all ages and ability will participate in singles, doubles or team bowling. Ramp bowling is available for athletes who are unable to throw their own bowling ball. More than 250 volunteers will donate their time to serve the athletes and make this event a success.

SOIA Vice President of Program Pam Wagner said this annual event has been taking place for nearly 30 years. “We are pleased to offer the state-level competition in Cedar Rapids this year for athletes who live in eastern Iowa.  Everyone is excited to be competing at the new location.”

Wagner noted that bowling is the sport with the third highest participation numbers. “We have nearly 3,500 bowlers competing in the Special Olympics Area Bowling and of those, 900 win their way to the State Tournament. These events offer persons with intellectual disabilities opportunities to develop their strength, coordination and social skills.”

SOIA is a nonprofit organization serving Iowans with intellectual disabilities since 1968. SOIA provides training and competitions in 23 Olympic-type sports for 11,000 athletes and Unified Sports Partners representing each of Iowa’s 99 counties. For more information, please call 515-986-5520 or visit www.soiowa.org.

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Editor’s note: If you would like the names of athletes in your area competing in this event, please contact Joyce Allard at jallard@soiowa.org or 515-986-5520.