Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Medalists go on to regional in Tri-Cities
Justin Bradley cheers after bowling during the sub-regional competition.
The Whitman County Cougars Special Olympics team
Joseph Winston receives third place in his division.
PULLMAN - Zeppoz in Pullman was host to the Special Olympics bowling Southeast sub-regional event on Saturday, Oct. 12.
There were about 120 participants bowling from the Whitman County Cougars team from Pullman and the Twin Rivers team from Clarkston, according to Special Olympics East Region Senior Manager Grant Opland. Gold medalists from the event will now advance to the regional competition at Spare Time Lanes in Tri Cities on Nov. 3.
Opland said there are approximately 3,000 bowlers in the state of Washington this fall season.
"It's our most popular sport," Opland said.
The Event on Saturday was supported by 40 Special Olympics volunteers that included approximately 12-to-15 Washington State University (WSU) students.
Opland said 24 athletes and unified partners won gold medals on Saturday and are advancing to the regional competition. There is no state competition after regional.
This fall marks the qualifying season for the Special Olympics USA National Games in June 2026 in Minnesota. Four bowlers from Washington will represent the state at the Games. Bowlers receiving a gold medal in the Tri Cities, and additional regionals throughout the state, will be placed in a random draw for the chance of attending the USA games.
According to the Special Olympics USA Games website, the 2026 USA Games will bring together 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states. The Games will feature 19 different sports.
At the conclusion of the fall sports season, Special Olympics Washington looks forward to the winter season from Nov. 18 to March 2.
The EAST REGION basketball regional competition is tentatively set for Feb. 8 on the WSU campus where about 125 WSU athletes are expected to support the competition, according to Opland.
Special Olympics Washington provides numerous sports and health opportunities for anyone 8 years old and beyond with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD). To participate as an athlete or volunteer,
contact the local Whitman County Cougars program: Debbie Niehenke at whitcospecialo@gmail.com
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