New York state makes debut at 2018 Special Olympics National Unified Tournament
March 15, 2018
By Matt Cannizzaro and Fran Piraino
USBC Communications
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - For the first time in its 28-year history, the Special Olympics National Unified Tournament welcomed competitors from New York state, and what better place for a debut than on their home turf.
The group of newcomers included 21-year-old Alek Fiorenza of Syracuse, who not only got to be one of the first bowlers to represent the Empire State on the lanes, he also had the added honor of carrying the Special Olympics banner with teammate Jin-Sook Swizdor.
Both were members of the New York Central Popil's King Pins, one of the three teams representing New York state at the Oncenter Convention Center this week.
"I'm so excited to be here," Fiorenza said. "This is amazing."
Fiorenza's unified coach, Debbie Smith, did not want to miss an opportunity to compete in the 2018 edition of the Special Olympics National Unified Tournament, which was contested on the same 48 lanes that soon will be home to this year's United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
The two events also shared the same stage inside the Oncenter Convention Center in 1999.
"When we walked in here, to see their faces when they saw the lanes for the first time, it brought tears to my eyes," Smith said. "It's extra special because this is the first time New York (state) has had any teams take part in this tournament."
Other teams from the host state were Hudson Valley Gut-Ter Done team and the Romano's Saranac Lake team.
Natalie Holman of Brevard County, Florida, is a Special Olympics veteran in volleyball, basketball and swimming, and she now can add bowling to her growing list of successes. The 18-year-old celebrated her own debut with a gold medal in the team event.
"It's amazing to be here," Holman said. "I'm proud to be here with my teammates, and I'm so happy to finish in first place."
In addition to tournament competition, Holman and her Florida contingent got to experience another facet of Syracuse - snow.
"I'm so excited to see the snow," Holman said. "Me and my teammates have been throwing snowballs at each other."
This week's National Unified Tournament marked the 28th consecutive year the USBC Open Championships and its one-of-a-kind venue have played host to the event. The relationship began in Toledo, Ohio, in 1991.
The two-day National Unified Tournament took place Wednesday and Thursday, and Special Olympic athletes bowled for ribbons and gold, silver and bronze medals.
Approximately 280 bowlers (56 four-player teams) representing 12 states competed in team and doubles competition, while helping to usher in the 115th edition of the Open Championships, which begins March 24.
Each team at the National Unified Tournament was comprised of two Special Olympians and their unified partners, and the combination helps promote athletic integration, acceptance and breaks down barriers through competition.
To be eligible for the Special Olympics National Unified Tournament, competitors must be USBC members, have a certified average of 15 or more games and have competed in their local Special Olympics events.
The ongoing partnership between the USBC and the Special Olympics National Unified Tournament has been beneficial for both organizations, said Special Olympics Tournament Director Marty Allen, who has been involved in the tournament since its inception.
"It's a cooperative effort, and it has been terrific for us," said Allen, who also has served as the program director for Special Olympics Ohio since 1982. "We help break in the lanes and train staff, and our athletes get to experience a new city. We are excited to be here."
Next week, the Oncenter Convention Center will welcome the first of nearly 8,000 five-player teams for the Open Championships, which will run for 107 days from March 24-July 8.
USBC Communications
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - For the first time in its 28-year history, the Special Olympics National Unified Tournament welcomed competitors from New York state, and what better place for a debut than on their home turf.
The group of newcomers included 21-year-old Alek Fiorenza of Syracuse, who not only got to be one of the first bowlers to represent the Empire State on the lanes, he also had the added honor of carrying the Special Olympics banner with teammate Jin-Sook Swizdor.
Both were members of the New York Central Popil's King Pins, one of the three teams representing New York state at the Oncenter Convention Center this week.
"I'm so excited to be here," Fiorenza said. "This is amazing."
Fiorenza's unified coach, Debbie Smith, did not want to miss an opportunity to compete in the 2018 edition of the Special Olympics National Unified Tournament, which was contested on the same 48 lanes that soon will be home to this year's United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
The two events also shared the same stage inside the Oncenter Convention Center in 1999.
"When we walked in here, to see their faces when they saw the lanes for the first time, it brought tears to my eyes," Smith said. "It's extra special because this is the first time New York (state) has had any teams take part in this tournament."
Other teams from the host state were Hudson Valley Gut-Ter Done team and the Romano's Saranac Lake team.
Natalie Holman of Brevard County, Florida, is a Special Olympics veteran in volleyball, basketball and swimming, and she now can add bowling to her growing list of successes. The 18-year-old celebrated her own debut with a gold medal in the team event.
"It's amazing to be here," Holman said. "I'm proud to be here with my teammates, and I'm so happy to finish in first place."
In addition to tournament competition, Holman and her Florida contingent got to experience another facet of Syracuse - snow.
"I'm so excited to see the snow," Holman said. "Me and my teammates have been throwing snowballs at each other."
This week's National Unified Tournament marked the 28th consecutive year the USBC Open Championships and its one-of-a-kind venue have played host to the event. The relationship began in Toledo, Ohio, in 1991.
The two-day National Unified Tournament took place Wednesday and Thursday, and Special Olympic athletes bowled for ribbons and gold, silver and bronze medals.
Approximately 280 bowlers (56 four-player teams) representing 12 states competed in team and doubles competition, while helping to usher in the 115th edition of the Open Championships, which begins March 24.Each team at the National Unified Tournament was comprised of two Special Olympians and their unified partners, and the combination helps promote athletic integration, acceptance and breaks down barriers through competition.
To be eligible for the Special Olympics National Unified Tournament, competitors must be USBC members, have a certified average of 15 or more games and have competed in their local Special Olympics events.
The ongoing partnership between the USBC and the Special Olympics National Unified Tournament has been beneficial for both organizations, said Special Olympics Tournament Director Marty Allen, who has been involved in the tournament since its inception.
"It's a cooperative effort, and it has been terrific for us," said Allen, who also has served as the program director for Special Olympics Ohio since 1982. "We help break in the lanes and train staff, and our athletes get to experience a new city. We are excited to be here."
Next week, the Oncenter Convention Center will welcome the first of nearly 8,000 five-player teams for the Open Championships, which will run for 107 days from March 24-July 8.