TEMPLE, Texas — A large contingent of Temple Independent School District athletes had an opportunity to compete and shine at the Special Olympics Area Bowling Competition last Friday (October 24) at Fort Hood.
More than 70 students and staff from Temple ISD made the trip to Fort Hood for the competition. Students represented Temple High School, Bonham Middle School, Lamar Middle School, and Travis Science Academy. A large group of family members were also on hand to cheer on the Temple athletes. Those students competed against athletes from Academy ISD, Belton ISD, Falls County Co-Op, Killeen ISD, Lampasas ISD, and Salado ISD. Temple High School bowlers brought home ten gold medals, 15 silver medals, eight bronze medals, and three fourth-place ribbons. Temple ISD middle school bowlers added four silver medals, five bronze medals, six fourth-place ribbons, four fifth-place ribbons, and one sixth-place ribbon, as a total of 56 students from TISD participated. The athletes also had the opportunity to cheer on their teammates during the competition while representing their campuses and the district. The impact of participating in this competition goes far beyond medals and ribbons for not only the athletes, but for everyone in attendance, according to one of the team’s sponsors.
“This event gives these students a sense of accomplishment and success and they take so much pride in what they are able to do in the competition,” said Becky Olson, transition coordinator for Temple ISD. “It is such an incredible feeling for the staff and families to see how the students represent Temple. This is one of those events where if you don’t leave there smiling, there is something wrong with you. Their energy is just infectious and there is so much excitement that pours out into everyone else that is there to watch and support.”
The athletes also received a spirited sendoff from Temple High School students, staff, and cheerleaders, as well as district representatives and Temple ISD Superintendent, Dr. Bobby Ott, before leaving for the competition on Friday.