There’s more to Special Olympics than competing in a sport. Its programs provide a fantastic opportunity for participants to develop further interpersonal and life skills, such as how to order from a menu, pay for customer service and, yes, compete and develop sportsmanship.
Add to that the opportunity of medaling, or just simply competing, and Special Olympics becomes even more
valuable. Even more special.
Just ask the Lilburn Middle School bowling team, our City’s February Citizens of the Month. Bowlers Abril Esperanza, Ibrahim Alminawi and Ashley Garcia (LMS alum) recently took home the Bronze Medal at the State Indoor Winter Games, held January 27 and 28 in Marietta.
Moreover, Abril and Ashley also earned 1st and 2nd place in last year’s State Indoor Winter Games singles competition.
“Overall, the team really enjoyed the experience at the hotel and meeting new friends,” said Will Johnson, their coach and one of their LMS instructors.
“Hopefully, our athletes will continue to participate in future state games. This year’s State games were the first with spectators since COVID-19.
“It was great that our team won a medal for Gwinnett County Schools’ Special Olympics program,” he continued. “And it was great to see the parents’ happiness for their children.”