On Thursday, October 17th, fourteen Marion County Special Olympic athletes competed at the 2024 South Central Area Competition Bowling Tournament at Great Escape in Pleasant Hill. 

The bowlers started their weekly practices on September 9th at Great Escape. Those receiving 1st Place medals will advance to the State Bowling Contest on Saturday, November 23rd at Bowlerama Lanes in Des Moines. At the event, individuals who received a 1st Place medal were Cameron Cross, Taylor Fearno, Jacob Hindman, Charlie Leavitt, Tegan Ripperger and Savannah Stralow. Double Teams who received a 1st Place medal were Shawn Barker-Seth Martin and Marissa Schletzbaum-Michelle Turnage. Individuals receiving a 2nd Place medal were Stacia Mason and Logan Taylor, as well as Double Team members Ben Heywood-Joe Morgan. Shawn Barker and Seth Martin led the Special Olympics Oath to start the afternoon session.

Coaches for the Marion County Special Olympics team are Maureen and Roger Schletzbaum. The team would like to thank the St. Anthony Knights of Columbus for their donation by supporting the Marion County athletes with new shirts.