Ten-pin Bowling, commonly called “Bowling” in the US, is a competitive sport in which a player (the “bowler”) rolls a bowling ball down a wooden or synthetic lane with the objective of scoring points by knocking down as many pins as possible.
Although Bowling does not belong to the Olympic sports, it is among the most popular sports in Special Olympics. It is a particularly beneficial sport to people with intellectual disabilities, irrespective of their age or sports abilities, since it ensures physical exercise and, at the same time, participation and social integration.
It is a fun sport and accessible to all, including athletes in wheelchairs. Our coaches are dedicated to building athlete skills and fostering a strong sense of community.
Head Coach Coaches Team Manager Sport Director | Rich Domros Lee Abigail, Chris Ahalt, Enrique Chaurand, Tricia Han Tricia Han Rachel Maryn |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Saturdays, 10 AM to 12:15 PM starting March 7, 2026 with final practice on May 9, 2026. Bowlathon Fundraiser: Saturday, April 11, 2026 |
| Athlete & Volunteer Registration Expiration Date | Last Practice: May 9, 2026 All Forms must be up to date before the signup date (last Sunday in January). The expiration date on an Athlete’s Registration form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above Last Practice date to participate in the upcoming season. |
Our Bowling program is very popular, fills up within an hour after signup opens, and is usually oversubscribed. Bowling follows SOMO’s Guidelines for Managing Roster Caps to allocate team slots to interested athletes. Please note that if you missed two or more practices during your previous bowling season, it could adversely affect your team placement for your next bowling season. Therefore, if you already know that you will miss two or more practices, we suggest that you not sign up for bowling this season so as to not jeopardize your making the team the next time you try to sign up.
Athletes can improve their chances of making the team by following the steps below:
You can find the official Special Olympics Rules, Fact Sheet, Coaching Guide, and other resources at this link: Special Olympics Bowling.
SOMO provides athletes with bowling balls and bowling shoes. Athletes are free to bring their own bowling balls and/or bowling shoes. Where appropriate, SOMO also provides Bowling ramps for athlete use.
For practice, bowlers are required to wear bowling shoes (with socks) on the lanes at all times. Athletes should wear their yellow SOMO athlete t-shirts, and non-coaching volunteers should wear their red SOMO volunteer t-shirts.
Athletes should not wear headphones or music earbuds at any bowling practice (or competition).
SOMO offers the Spring bowling season for athletes to work on their bowling skills. Because it does not involve an inter-delegation competition, we need to raise funds to pay for this season. This fundraiser takes place during one of our mid-season practices. Athletes will receive more information after the season starts.
Although signing a participation contract is not required, please note that missing two or more practices could adversely affect team placement for the next bowling season. Therefore, if you already know that you will miss two or more practices, we suggest that you not sign up for bowling this season so as to not jeopardize your making the team the next time you try to sign up.
The Bowling Management Team invites parents, siblings, counselors, and friends to consider becoming certified volunteers! Many volunteers are needed to keep practices and competitions running smoothly. Your support of our bowlers is deeply appreciated, and you will find that the time you dedicate proves rewarding and meaningful for both the athletes and for YOU! For more information on how to become a volunteer CLICK HERE.
