SOKY’s Largest Individual Sport Event Returns to Louisville in December

The largest individual sport event on the Special Olympics Kentucky calendar – the Special Olympics Kentucky State Bowling Tournament – will return to Louisville Dec. 7-8. Sessions will be held at Kingpin Lanes in Jeffersontown and at Ten Pin Strike & Spare in St. Matthews.

This is the third year that the eight Area Bowling Tournaments held in Kentucky in October have served as a qualifying events to reach the State Tournament. Athletes and Unified partners who finished first, and in some cases second, in their divisions at their Area Tournament have advanced to Louisville. That means more than 600 athletes and Unified partners will be on hand to compete.

Athletes compete in the singles event on Saturday, Dec. 7 and then many will return for doubles on Sunday. Unified teams that qualified will also compete on Sunday.

Saturday sessions will begin with Opening Ceremonies at 8:50 am and 1:20 pm at Kingpin Lanes with bowling starting 10 minutes later. The Ten Pin session will begin at 9:20 am with Opening Ceremonies, with competition starting at 9:30. All bowling on Sunday will take place at Kingpin Lanes. The Unified session will start with Opening Ceremonies at 8:50 am and bowling at 9. The doubles competition Opening Ceremonies will start at 1:20 pm and the bowling will begin at 1:30.

Singles and doubles events are two-games per bowler with total pin fall determining positions. The Unified event will utilize the Baker’s format with bowlers alternating frames during their two games.

On Saturday night, athletes will also have the opportunity to take part in the Victory Dance.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help ensure that the Tournament runs smoothly. Volunteers primarily serve as lane workers making sure bowling occurs in order and scores are reported accurately to the Tournament directors. Lane workers can work one session, one day or all weekend. To volunteer, visit our volunteer registration link. For information about group volunteer opportunities, contact Michaele Roy at 502-695-8222 or mroy@soky.org.

The State Bowling Tournament is sponsored by IBEW Local 369, the Kentucky Wireless Association, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Kentucky and year-round partners Jersey Mike’s, Texas Roadhouse and Toyota Motor Corporation.

For more information about the State Bowling Tournament or the Special Olympics bowling program, contact Kathy Marshall at 502-695-8222 or kmarshall@soky.org.