Special Olympics Tennessee’s Young Professionals Board has hosted Bowling with Buddies at Tusculum Strike and Spare for the past few weeks, where Young Professionals Board members have the opportunity to bowl with Nashville area athletes. This week, Kelby DeJarnett shared his experiences bowling with athletes Kolton Jenkins, Jason Holley and Gray Gibson, who share a lane each week.
Outside of his career at Pillsbury Law, DeJarnett joined the Young Professionals Board at Special Olympics Tennessee in 2019 and currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Board. He has played a significant role during his time with Special Olympics, through attending events, participating in board meetings and connecting with our athletes.
On Monday, DeJarnett spent his evening bowling with his weekly bowling buddies, Kolton Jenkins and Jason Holley. The trio bowled some high-scoring matches, with Holley earning first place and a personal best score of 154 in round one. Jenkins earned the top spot in game two, earning a score of 144. Their excitement to be at Tusculum Strike and Spare was obvious to the crowd watching throughout the bowling alley.
“I have enjoyed being here each week and getting to see Jason, Kolton, and Gray improve,” said DeJarnett.
“One week, Gray had one pin left and was nervous about hitting it,” said DeJarnett. “I gave him some advice, he hit it, and was super excited. It is really cool to see them improve and be a part of those experiences as well.”
Holley comes to Tusculum Strike and Spare to bowl for the first time ever with both Metro Parks Schools and the Young Professionals Board’s program. However, when watching Holley at the lanes, he seems to have the experience of a long-time bowler. As previously mentioned, Holley earned his personal best score this week and was enthused in doing so.
“It felt pretty good to get [my high score],” Holley said. “I beat Kelby, too.”
Jenkins mentioned that Kelby gives him advice when they bowl together. He also enjoys getting to hang out with the Young Professionals Board each week and spending more time practicing his bowling skills. His bowling style is also unique and leads him to gain many strikes, spares, and high scores that keep up with Holley and DeJarnett.
“I like to bowl and practice to get better,” said Jenkins.
Bowling with Buddies concludes after next Monday’s session at Tusculum Strike and Spare. Learn more about Special Olympics Tennessee’s Young Professionals Board here.
