Special Olympians compete in Winter Games

Shrewsbury Bowling Team member Bill Zona participates in the 2009 Winter Games Feb. 28, after months of training with his team. PHOTO/MELISSA MUNTZ COLE Shrewsbury - Hundreds of Special Olympians from across the state gathered to ski, bowl, play basketball and floor hockey as part of the 2009 Winter Olympic Games in Worcester County.

Created in 1968, the Special Olympics offers athletes a feeling of dignity and acceptance and a chance to reach one's potential. The program creates a fun and supportive atmosphere where winning means nothing more than trying your very best.

"It gives the kids an opportunity to meet other kids like them and also gives the families a chance to socialize," said bowling assistant coach Robyn Towner, whose uncle Bill Zona is a Special Olympian. "They're learning a skill, learning how to play a game and having a lot of fun."

Although the competition recognizes all participants as winners, athletes don't go into the games unprepared. Members of the Shrewsbury Bowling Team trained more than three months for the competition, held at AMF Town and Country Lanes in Shrewsbury Feb. 28.