November 2, 2025
More than 250 athletes filled QC Family Entertainment in Moline on Sunday for the Special Olympics Illinois Sectional Bowling Tournament, competing for a chance to advance to the state finals in Decatur next month.
The tournament brought together bowlers, coaches and volunteers from about 20 Illinois counties, representing a wide range of ages and abilities. Athletes competed in singles, doubles, unified and team events, with divisions based on age, gender and bowling ability to ensure fair matchups.
Kevin Mullen, Region F Director for Special Olympics Illinois, said the competition is truly a community effort.
“Some schools have teams: Moline High School, UTHS, Geneseo. We have YMCAs, group homes. We have civil groups participate, individual family teams participate,” Mullen said. “It’s awesome.”
Mullen, who previously coached Special Olympics athletes, said the spirit of determination on display is inspiring.
“I’ve had so many athletes over the years come up to me and say, ‘Someone told me I’d never be able to play a sport,’” he said.
“It’s almost like it radiates off of our athletes. You can see it in the smiles, in the high fives, in the pride they show when they do anything successfully, anything for that matter.”
Fans cheered as bowlers took their turns across the lanes. While medals were on the line, participants said the true reward was connection and friendship.
“I get to see friends, I get to see other people, new people and everything!” said Emilee Walker, a longtime Special Olympics bowler.
Walker said the event was another opportunity to do what she loves.
“I’ve loved it since I was three years old,” Walker said.
She won a medal at this year’s sectional, scoring a cumulative 513 points.
Gold medalists from Sunday’s sectional will move on to the Special Olympics Illinois State Bowling Tournament on Dec. 6 in Decatur, where they’ll compete against bowlers from 11 other regions.
Special Olympics Illinois serves thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities statewide, offering year-round sports training and competitions.
No matter the score, Mullen said the event proves one thing: when the community comes together, everyone wins.
