The 2018 Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships take place this week from May 15 – May 19 and Team Alberta’s Lauren Bowyer has been hitting the lanes in preparation for her first competition at Nationals.
Bowyer is coming off of a spectacular performance at the 2017 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games in Medicine Hat last July, which earned her a gold-medal in Division III singles play.
Having only played for the past two and a half years, the 17 year old Bowyer is ready to continue her journey and achieve her dream of becoming the best 10-pin bowler in the country.
Bowyer is from Lethbridge and enjoys working out, being outdoors, and watching her favourite TV shows – SpongeBob SquarePants and Roko’s Modern Life. She is one of four Lethbridge athletes representing Team Alberta at nationals.
The inherent joy of playing and the ability to put up high scores were two things that drew Bowyer to bowling and have kept her playing the game she loves.
She is excited to compete at nationals for the first time and has implemented a strong training regiment and healthy eating habits to help her prepare for Prince Edward Island. Combined with attending practices, Bowyer is focused on competing to the best of her ability.
For Bowyer, Special Olympics has transformed her life and given her the opportunity to make friends in an inclusive environment.
“TO BE MYSELF, BE INCLUDED WITH OTHER PEOPLE, BE HAPPY,” SAID BOWYER. “IT'S CHANGED MY LIFE BY FEELING A SENSE OF BELONGING AND PEOPLE WHO DON'T JUDGE YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE.”
With the Bowling Championships right around the corner, Bowyer says she is very excited to play. She is looking forward to competing for her province and seeing the beautiful views in P.E.I.
Special Olympics Alberta wishes Bowyer 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 in P.E.I. You can follow the action on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the results and updates from our bowlers heading to P.E.I.