The Special Olympics Unified Sports program fosters an environment of social inclusion, uniting individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. Collaborating on a unified team allows for involvement in competitive experiences while promoting friendship and understanding.
Individuals of Kenwood High School, Jerome Asbury (17), Matthew Walls (18), and Sebastain Kelley (16), competed on the Unified bowling team and won the TSSAA State Bowling Championship title.
“It feels great to me," said Special Olympics athlete Sebastian Kelley. "I get to go outside my boundaries and socialize with other people and build friendships; we’ve been friends for about 4 years, bowling throughout our entire time together."
“It’s a new experience that is very enjoyable, doing different things outside my boundaries, something I always wanted to do and am grateful for,” stated Matthew Walls on being a Unified partner.
As a team driven by competitive attitude and supportive effort, the three young men worked together to average a score of 180. Their best game was a score of 223, landing them the highest score of all competitors and the first seed in the championship.
“We work on a team and rely on one another; if someone’s stuck in their head, we help them out of it,” mentioned Jerome Asbury.
“Every time I go out there, I have a smile on my face, and every time I look around me, everyone else has a smile too,” said Kelley.
The boys talk about how the atmosphere felt very competitive yet family-oriented. Competing for the first time in tournaments and winning the state championship title was a significant achievement for the athletes and the Kenwood High School bowling program.
“Kenwood doesn’t get a lot of love and support; we want to win and put our name out there," said Asbury and Walls. "Next year, we want to compete and defend our title."
In addition to training and working to defend their title, the Unified partners plan to join 18+ men's leagues and bowling teams/organizations at their future universities.
The Special Olympics Unified Sports and Unified Champion Schools program work to promote experiences like the ones of the Kenwood bowling team to young athletes nationwide looking to compete and make a difference.
“If other people don’t have a hobby or sport, this is easily something you can get into and is a lot of fun,” said Kelley.
Kenwood High School's State Bowling Championship win is remarkable and memorable. With hopes to center their trophy in the halls, the future of this bowling program is bright and full of potential. Only time will tell how many trophies they will bring home.
Learn more about Unified Champion Schools program here.
