Wakulla’s Special Olympics Bowling Team

Special Olympics Wakulla Bowling Team in Orlando.

By JANA MCCOMMON
Special to The Sun

The athlete’s oath “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,” epitomizes the goal of every Special Olympics athlete. Our Special Olympics Florida Wakulla Bowling team members have certainly been brave this summer in their attempt at winning. Each of the team’s ten athletes and partners devoted many Sunday afternoons this summer to practice in Tallahassee. Starting in June, our team of athletes and partners made each week’s practice a priority, working diligently toward their goal.
At Area Games in August, Wakulla battled with Leon County Special Olympics athletes for a chance at state games. Wakulla fielded four singles division bowlers, one traditional doubles team, and two unified doubles teams. With support from their parents and coaches, six athletes and partners advanced to the annual state competition on Sept. 15 and 16 at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando.
On Friday, Sept. 15, Coaches Joanne Larson and Jana McCommon, along with Sharon Scherbarth Simmons and Sean Simmons made the trip south. Competition started at noon on Friday, with Sarah Andrews and Taylor Marshall bowling in the singles division. Sarah was able to knock down enough pins for a second-place finish. Taylor bowled over enough to take third place.  
With competition continuing on Saturday, Wakulla also had teams participating in both the traditional doubles division and the unified teams’ divisions. Aiden Colvin and Ethan Larson represented well in the traditional doubles division, securing a second-place finish and bringing home silver medals. In unified doubles, Abigail McCommon and Taylie Oaks also finished strong, securing their own silver medals.
Coaches Joanne and Jana have many people to thank for making this season a success including athletes, partners, and especially parents. Thank you so much for taking the time to support us this summer! We would also like to thank Capital Lanes in Tallahassee for allowing us practice space each week.
To make sure our athletes stay involved and engaged, coaches are planning several off-season practices to continue working towards next year’s goals. Practice schedules will be posted on our Facebook page (Special Olympics Florida – Wakulla County).  
Bowling is just one of many Special Olympics sports available in Wakulla County. Flag football is currently in weekly practices, with regional competition just around the corner.
Spring sports include bocce, track, and field.  Qualified athletes of all ages are welcome to participate in Special Olympics Florida.  
For more information on athlete qualifications or ways to volunteer, please visit https://www.specialolympicsflorida.org/northwest or check out our Special Olympics Florida-Wakulla County Facebook page.