Looking back on an incredible run at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, bowling athlete Lianne Avant and Unified partner Sharon Dickey were excited to share their experience.
Not only did they get to compete, but as Avant put it, "It was fun." Avant emphasized her passion for friendship, saying her favorite part of the week was "making new and old friends from different states." She continued by saying the reason she loves bowling is less about the sport itself and more about the community it brings.
As a 30-year Special Olympics athlete, Avant has endured many training seasons. When asked how she gets ready for a game and whether there is anything specific she does before a competition, she came back to one simple answer: "Telling myself to breathe."
Her partner, Sharon Dickey, has been involved with Special Olympics for about four years. She was quick to say that she absolutely loves it and is grateful to have met Avant. The two teammates met in a Unified bowling league, which runs from September to April, because "it takes a lot of dedication and a lot of practice" to prepare for any competition, especially the USA Games.
Dickey and her husband, who joined the bowling league, did not realize just how much they would love it. "They bring so much joy to our Sunday afternoons," she said. That weekly league, built on consistent practice and competition, punched their ticket to Minnesota.
Not only did Avant find meaning in the friendships she formed, but Dickey said that was "the best thing about the USA Games." She spoke about the friendships that developed throughout the week and how "they all cheer each other on no matter what sport you participate in or whether you come in first or eighth."
The spirit of Special Olympics continues from Tennessee and across the nation. Dickey is proud to have attended the 2026 USA Games and has already said she wants to go again. Avant is a longtime athlete whose heart shines brighter than any lucky strike. She had the opportunity to travel with Team Tennessee to the 2026 USA Games, yet her proudest accomplishment was simply "getting picked to go."
Together, Avant and Dickey proved that the USA Games are about more than competition. They are about friendship, dedication and the joy of achieving something together.
Read more about Team Tennessee here.