FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 
May 20, 2018 (Charlottetown, PEI) – The Special Olympics Canada 2018 Bowling Championships officially wrapped up last night after a week-long competition held in beautiful PEI. Over 400 athletes, coaches and mission staff were in Charlottetown, Summerside and Tyne Valley, PEI for the first stand-alone bowling competition of its kind in Special Olympics Canada history. Athletes participated in 5 and 10-pin disciplines.
 
“What an amazing week of competition and sportsmanship,” said Sharon Bollenbach, CEO, Special Olympics Canada. “This past week was an incredible opportunity to witness athletes from across the country take to the lanes to compete in one of our most popular sports. We are extremely proud of all the athletes, coaches and mission staff, Games Organizing Committee, sponsors and of course, the countless local volunteers for making this week one for the history books. Thank you to all who helped make these Championships a success!”  
 
The Championships could not have been possible without the support from national partners, local Championships sponsors and the communities of Charlottetown, Summerside and Tyne Valley who came together to support Special Olympics and the athletes.  
 
“We are proud and honoured to have hosted the Special Olympics Canada 2018 Bowling Championships and an incredible group of athletes, coaches, families and support staff from across Canada,” said Cory Thomas, Organizing Committee Co-Chair. “On behalf of the Organizing Committee, a huge thank-you to all sponsors, community partners and volunteers who came together to support this event and showcase true PEI hospitality.”
 
The Special Olympics Canada 2018 Bowling Championships were a qualifying event in the 10pin discipline for Special Olympics Team Canada attending the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in March. The remainder of the team, from 7 other sports, will be chosen based on results after the Special Olympics Canada 2018 Summer Games in Antigonish, Nova Scotia in August, 2018.
 
For results from the Special Olympics Canada 2018 Bowling Championships, please visit www.specialolympics.ca/2018-bowling. For photos from Championships, please visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/125910299@N08/.  
 
 
About Special Olympics Canada Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in 12 provincial and territorial Chapters, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sports to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 45,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics’ year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 21,000 volunteers, including more than 16,000 trained coaches.
 
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For more information contact:
Allison Love
Communications Officer
Special Olympics Canada
alove@specialolympics.ca 
416-301-4636

Kristen MacDonald
Games Manager
Special Olympics Canada 2018 Bowling Championships
2018bowling@specialolympics.ca
902-393-0353