One of the Wayne City High School’s Special Olympics team members, Jaycee Youngblood, traveled to the state competition in Peoria, Illinois for bowling on Saturday, December 7 at Landmark Lanes. Youngblood received a medal for sixth place in her division, outscoring many other athletes in the state.
According to the Special Olympics Illinois website, “The State Bowling Tournament is one of 13 state sports competitions. It is the championship-level competition for those participating in bowling. The State Bowling Tournament is a one-day event usually held on the first Saturday in December in Peoria. The event typically includes approximately 250 athletes, 130 coaches and 175 volunteers. Bowling became an official Special Olympics Illinois sport in 1975, and Landmark Lanes has hosted the tournament since 1989.”
In addition to bowling, throughout the year Jaycee also competes in basketball skills and track and field. Youngblood said, “I felt really good. My favorite part was I got to meet new people.” Youngblood competed in the Special Olympics the last two years.
Jennifer Tolley, Youngblood’s coach, said, “Jaycee recently competed in State Bowling at Peoria. To qualify for state, Jaycee received first place in both the regional and sectional competitions. Jaycee received sixth place in her division of ramp bowling at Peoria. Jaycee loves to bowl and always shows great sportsmanship by cheering on the athletes in her division.”
Tolley started the Special Olympics team at Wayne City two years ago, competing with both high school and grade school students. The school and community support the team, with community members recently purchasing produce boxes to raise money for events and team supplies. Wayne City Superintendent Nicole Henson said, “I am proud of the work and practice Jaycee has put into her bowling and how she represented WCHS at each competition.”
