There was excitement and friendly rivalry at the local Bowland when Port Pirie Special Olympics hosted the Special Olympics South Australia Regional Tenpin Bowling Games on Saturday, October 17.

Taking part in the games were athletes from the Riverland and Adelaide accompanied by carers.

Mayor Brenton Vanstone opened the games and applauded the courage

and determination of the

athletes.

Games Director Port Pirie Pura Light Start State Masters Games, Jean Smith, was a special guest who was invited to bowl the first ball of the day, which went into the gutter much to the delight of the competitors.

A representative from Adelaide and the Riverland along with Port Pirie’s Daryl Vermeeren read the athletes oath - ‘Let me win but if I can’t win let me be brave in the attempt’. Fifty bowlers competed in teams and doubles events in a successful competition.

This was followed by the presentation dinner, which was held at the Port Pirie Golf Club, where every bowler received a medal or more of either gold, silver or bronze.

President Maxine Bowden and secretary and coordinator of the games, Christine Hurling, were thrilled with the day’s events.

The Riverland, Port Pirie and Adelaide regions take turns each year to host the regional games, and then the three regions meet at the State Games held in Adelaide annually.

“It is really important to meet each other at regional games, because there are not many opportunities for the bowlers,” Mrs Hurling said.

Meanwhile Andrew Rufnak has been chosen to represent the state at the National Tenpin Bowling Games in Adelaide during April 2010.