Virtual pins tumble in fundraiser for athletic association

By John Streit

Correspondent

VIRGINIA BEACH

Of all the sports Special Olympics of Virginia offers, bowling always has been one of the most popular.

And on March 28, several Special Olympians gathered for a pin-knocking event. Only this time, there wasn't an alley for miles around, and the participants sported wireless controllers instead of bowling balls.

The athletes gathered at the Best Buy store not far from Town Center, where they used the Nintendo Wii system's bowling game. Shoppers were invited to contribute a donation of $5 to take on a Special Olympian in Wii bowling. Proceeds went to the Special Olympics' local bowling programs.

The Wii fundraiser will be making its rounds through several of Hampton Roads' retirement communities. Many already use the Wii console, due to its ability to provide low-impact physical activities through "Wii Sports," which also features boxing, tennis and baseball.

"We wanted to branch out to other age populations, whether it be in the schools or with seniors," said Carl Earnshaw, director of Special Olympics' Tidewater region.

The fundraiser found an appropriate host in Best Buy, which provided flat-screen televisions and several of the Wii consoles, many donated for the day by employees.

"This is an awesome opportunity to get involved with the community," said Amanda Rabun, the store's event coordinator. "These guys can teach us a lot, too. This isn't just a one-time thing. We will go to their events, team up with the children and work with them."

Minutes after the event kicked off, it began to realize its purpose. First in line to play were Sandra Thomas' children, 8-year-old Rodney and 6-year-old Sidney, who bubbled with excitement as they knocked over the virtual pins.

But this wasn't just any family waltzing through Best Buy looking for electronics: Thomas' son Rodney has mild autism and is partially paralyzed on his left side.

"My kids need to realize that the world at home isn't the true world: There are people of all needs and mental and physical capacities," said Thomas, a Portsmouth resident. "We signed Rodney up for information to get him involved in Special Olympics activities.

"He loves to play, but kids who don't have his disabilities don't understand him and don't react to him the way kids that have similar disabilities do."

The bowling tournament saw a rare highlight later that day, as Special Olympics athlete Jason Smith recorded a perfect score of 300. He needed every bit of the perfect effort, as fellow Special Olympian Sherri Haunton scored 295.

Looks like the folks in the retirement communities will get a run for their money.

For information on the Special Olympics of Virginia, visit www.specialolympicsva.org or call 962-1575.

John Streit, 639-4805,

vb.beaconsports@yahoo.com