PITTSBURG, Kan. — Holiday Lanes in Pittsburg was nearly bursting at the gills on Wednesday as 225 Special Olympics athletes participated in their annual bowling tournament. In addition to the athletes, there were 50 more volunteers and coaches.

One reason for such a large crowd, according to SEK Regional Director Olivia Ryan, was that this year’s activities were scheduled for a single day. Last year, the tournament was spread over two days of competition.

This year’s tournament was a bit short-handed on volunteers, but that didn’t deter Erin Fletcher, Director of Grants and Development for Special Olympics Kansas, who jumped right in to help athletes participate.

Each lane of three bowlers is its own little tournament. Athletes bowl two games and add their total scores together to determine placement. After the scores are totaled, a Pittsburg police officer officially awards each athlete a gold, silver, or bronze medal.

There are more Special Olympics events scheduled for next weekend in Pittsburg. A powerlifting competition will be held at Pittsburg High School on Friday, July 21, beginning at noon and on Saturday, July 22, a flag-football tournament at Hutchinson Field by Pittsburg Community Middle School beginning at 8 a.m.