SUMMERSIDE, PEI, April 3, 2017 – Special Olympics Canada is excited to announce PEI as the host province for the 2018 Special Olympics Canada 10-Pin Bowling Championships, which will take place May 14 to 20, 2018 in Summerside, PEI. The 10-Pin Bowling competition will happen over a 4 day period and feature athletes from 10 participating Special Olympics provinces and territories, with the exception of Quebec.

“The 2018 5-Pin Bowling Championships will offer Charlottetown a unique opportunity to showcase Special Olympics athletes from across Canada,” said Blair McIntosh, Vice President, Sport for Special Olympics Canada. “As one of Special Olympics Canada’s most popular sports, this competition will provide our athletes with a great experience to compete in a stand-alone National event for the sport.”  

Over 100 bowlers, 30 coaches and 10 Chef de Mission’s will descend into Summerside for this distinctive event, the highest level of competition for the sport within the Special Olympics Movement in Canada. Along with athletes, coaches and mission staff, the 2018 Special Olympics Canada 10-Pin Bowling Championships will bring fans, family members, dignitaries from National Sport Organizations and federal Government officials.  

“As Mayor of the City of Summerside and on behalf of Council and all residents of our City, I am thrilled to be welcoming the 10 Pin Bowling athletes to our lanes. We have a wonderful relationship with Special Olympics PEI and I would like to credit Sport and Event Tourism Summerside (SETS) for being integral in bringing these games to Summerside. Along with the significant economic impact, the 10 Pin Bowling Championships will stir the hearts of all spectators and I am sure many long lasting friendships will be made. Our hospitality is second to none and we look forward to welcoming all 110 athletes, families, coaches, officials and fans to our City.” Said Bill Martin, Mayor of the City of Summerside.

10-Pin Bowling, one of Special Olympics Canada’s original sports, also features the most registered athletes, with 13,435 Special Olympics participants across Canada.  

“We are excited about the opportunity to have this national event on PEI.  The City of Summerside has given continued support of Special Olympics PEI through the Community Grant Program.  This funding supports the 10 active sport programs, serving approximately 43 individuals with an intellectual disability, from the City of Summerside.”, said Special Olympics PEI Executive Director, Charity Sheehan.