No fun spared at special bowl-a-thon

Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, November 7, 2006

JOHN DAY – Members of the community poured into Clark’s Kountry Lanes Nov. 4 for a bowling fund-raiser for Special Olympics. Shoes were free to borrow and a game cost a dollar, plus the Special Olympics members accepted donations.

There were prizes being given away at least every minute.

Some of the bowlers were Special Olympians, others were from the bowling leagues and some were families coming to enjoy bowling and support the group.

Candy bars were given away for every strike, which were not few and far between. Every time someone knocked over a red pin, they received a certificate for a “buy one, get one free” game of bowling. Jaylon Brock of John Day and Russell Reigel of Ontario had plenty of high fives for each other throughout the afternoon as they racked up points and candy bars for strikes and spares.

Carla Coulson was the announcer for the day, pointing out all the strikes and red pin hits and awarding raffle-winners with prizes such as free dinners, lattes, haircuts and even a small snow board.

Her son, Jay Coulson, was a winner, too. For collecting nearly $1,000 in sponsorship money he won two tickets to a Blazers game. Second prize, a John Day video card, went to Jaylon Brock for bringing in almost $500. Elaine Mezzo, fund-raising chairperson said they “bowled me over.” Her daughter, Katie Latham, is a Special Olympics athlete.

Representatives of the men and women’s bowling association, Alice Shawn, bowling-alley owner Calvin Clark and his “right-hand man,” Jerry Coombs were all recognized for their support of the Special Olympics program.

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” said Kim Joslin, local program coordinator and mother of athlete, Ben Joslin. “They were behind us all the way, (and) I’m going to be supporting the local businesses more because they not only support Special Olympics, but many other organizations with financial and moral support.”

About $2,600 was raised for the Special Olympics program.

On Nov. 18, the Olympians will travel to Beaverton for a state competition with 800 other bowlers. Jaylon Brock will be assistant coach. Athletes Brian McKrola, Katie Latham, Jay Coulson and Ben Joslin will be competing.