Tina Brenneman wasn’t there to bowl a perfect game.
“I like to learn new skills,” said Brenneman, 29, who is part of the Augusta Stars, a Special Olympics bowling team.
Her score isn’t the most important part of the game. She’s happy to break 100, adding that she can bowl between 70 and 90 most of the time.
The group is preparing for the state games in January 2022 in Atlanta. On Tuesday, bowlers were joined by soldiers with the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade for a few games at Bowlero on Washington Road.
They also took time out to celebrate the holidays with pizza, presents and a visit from Jolly Old St. Nick.
Kevin Enright founded the Augusta Stars in 1995 and has watched the team grow over the past 26 years. It’s a testament to the strength of the local Special Olympics program.
“We’re historically one of the more active areas,” he said. “We have a very good local program.”
About 40 Special Olympians as young as 15 participated in Tuesday’s practice session.
Brenneman said one of the other reasons she ventures out to participate is to be among her friends.
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Adult Special Olympians in the area participate in several sports including bowling, basketball, swimming, volleyball, table tennis, cycling and bocce. Bocce players will participate in the U.S. Special Olympic Games in Orlando, Fla. in June 2022, Enright said.
Doyle Campbell likes to play multiple sports including basketball, tennis, bowling and golf.
“My favorite is golf,” said Campbell, who works at the Forest Hills Golf Course.
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He attended Tuesday’s bowling event not just to bowl but to socialize with other Special Olympians.
“It’s good fellowship with good people,” he said.
Not only did some of the soldiers from the 513th attend, but their commander, Col. Mike Adamski was there for a special assignment — escorting Santa Claus.
Adamski said connecting with the community and participating in events such as this are important for members of his unit.
“The relationship between Fort Gordon and Augusta has always been strong,” he said. “This is another way to solidify that.”
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
