Special Olympics Kentucky provides youth who have disabilities with over 15 different sports programs ranging from downhill skiing to equestrian riding to traditional sports teams and even bowling. Next month, a Regional Bowling Tournament will be held in Paducah and nearly 40 volunteers are needed to make it possible. Western Kentucky Regional Director Laura Miller speaks with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good today to talk more about the event and other growing programs.
While it is often difficult to adequately fill programs in smaller regions like Western Kentucky, Laura believes the Murray and Paducah region is fortunate in being able to consistently grow teams and programs.
The difficulty, however, lies in finding nearby teams for local teams to compete against, and local participants often have to travel to larger cities like Louisville and Lexington in order to compete in tournaments.
"That's why we need continuous volunteers to help us coach in those areas," Laura says. "Once we get those coaches, the athletes will come."
Looking forward to the winter season, when cheerleading and basketball programs will be underway, Laura's goal is to have volunteers signed on in all of the 12 Western Kentucky counties to get involved.
Currently, Laura's team is searching for 40 volunteers to fill needs at the upcoming Regional Bowling Tournament to be held on October 17 at Cardinal Lanes in Paducah.
Last year, over 150 athletes participated in the tournament and Laura anticipates the same, if not more, this year.
Interested volunteers for upcoming and future events can email Laura at lmiller@soky.org or visit the Special Olympics Kentucky website here.
