Josh Shyiak is Focused on the 5-Pin Lane

Team Alberta 5-pin bowler, Josh Shyiak
Team Alberta 5-pin bowler, Josh Shyiak

Sherwood Park’s own Josh Shyiak is ready to bowl some strikes at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships.

Focused is a word that defines Shyiak’s mentality as nationals begin today.

Shyiak is a 5-pin bowler who has been playing the game for 17 years. Rather than extend himself to other Special Olympics sports, Shyiak continues to refine his bowling skills.

“1, 2, 3, focus,” is Shyiak’s favourite motto and words that help him concentrate during competition.

Shyiak was selected to Team Alberta for the first time and he is excited for the opportunity to compete for his province.

“PLAYING THE BEST I CAN AND HAVING FUN WITH OTHER TEAMS,” SAID SHYiAK ON WHAT BEING PART OF TEAM ALBERTA MEANS TO HIM.

Family is very important to Shyiak who said his mother and father are his heroes, as they inspire him. He enjoys hanging out with friends and listening to all kinds of music.

The support has clearly allowed Shyiak to excel, as he delivered a strong performance at Panorama Lanes at the 2017 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games in Medicine Hat.

Shyiak competed in the Male-2 division and walked away with a bronze medal.

“DOING MY BEST [AND] BEING KIND TO EVERYONE BECAUSE WE ARE ALL CANADIANS,” SAID SHyiAK ON WHAT HE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THE BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIPS.

He has been focused on continuing his success in P.E.I. through weekly training sessions with his coach leading up to the event.

Not only is Shyiak a focused individual, but his unwavering positivity is another part of what defines him.

Being part of Special Olympics is one of the things that Shyiak is especially positive about.

“I AM HAPPY AS I ALWAYS AM AND AM TRYING MY BEST, SAID SHyiAK. “BECAUSE MY MOM AND DAD ARE PROUD OF ME.”

Special Olympics Alberta wishes Shyiak and the rest of Team Alberta good luck at the Bowling Championships! Cheer on Team Alberta by using the hashtag #SOTeamAB18 to show your support and send your love as our athletes compete this week in P.E.I.

You can follow the action on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the results and updates from our bowlers.

Thank you to Deb Cantin for drafting Josh Shyiak in Draft an Athlete!