Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.
SONC offers the traditional format of league-style bowling for singles competition and singles ramp (assisted & unassisted).
In doubles and five-person team competition (traditional and Unified Sports), SONC uses the Baker System format, which places emphasis on the team effort rather than individual accomplishments of team members. Doubles or team members take turns bowling frames within one game, as opposed to team members bowling individual games and combining the scores for one team score.
Click here to find your coach certification status.
- Bowling Calendar
- Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
- Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
- Special Olympics Coaching Guide
- Quick Reference Guide
- The United States Bowling Congress (USBC)
- Other SOI Coaching Resources
Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.
Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms
- Bowling Singles Registration Form
- Bowling Doubles Registration Form
- Bowling Team Registration Form
Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Summer Games registration. Click here for a full list of Summer Games registration forms. These forms will be available closer to the event date.
2020 SONC Summer Games
SONC Summer Games will be held May 29-30, 2020 in Raleigh.
National Unified Bowling Tournament
Special Olympics North America (SONA) hosts this additional bowling competition opportunity for Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners. The 30th Annual SONA National Unified Bowling Tournament will be held March 17-19, 2020, in Reno, Nevada, at the National Bowling Stadium.
Invitationals
Athletes and Unified partners also have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in various local invitationals. Check the bowling sport calendar for upcoming invitationals being hosted by local programs.
Local programs are also encouraged to host and invite neighboring counties to participate in invitationals, scrimmages, or leagues. Click here for some basic steps on how to get started. If you are interested in hosting an invitational you can also contact the sports department at sports@sonc.net.
About Bowling: This sport is one of the most popular at SONC Summer Games hosting over 300 athletes and 25 Unified Partners.
Differences of Special Olympics North Carolina Bowling: Special Olympics allows the use of ramps by athletes who do not have the physical ability to roll a ball with their hands. Additionally, SONC uses Bakers Format which places emphasis on the team effort rather than individual accomplishments of team members.
History: Bowling made its’ first appearance in the 1985 state-level competition in Wilmington. Bowling later joined the SONC Summer Games in 2016.
By The Numbers:
- In 1991, SONC sent 8 athletes and 2 coaches to the International Special Olympics Summer Games in Minneapolis, MN.
- In 1992, SONC and and a few local programs hosted several competitions which really was the kick start for bowling.
Sport Development Teams (SDT) are responsible for assisting with local and state-level programs and competition, educating coaches and officials, and promoting active engagement among athletes throughout the year. Click here for more information.
Chuck Dellinger
Indian Trail
Certified Clinicians receive additional training in presentational skills to conduct training schools in their community. In order to become a Certified Clinician one must have a Special Olympics North Carolina level 2 sport certification in this sport.
Richard and Karen Fiumara
Greensboro
For more information on becoming an SDT member or a Certified Clinician, contact sports@sonc.net.
