Special Olympics bowling tourney at JBER Nov. 16-18

The 2012 Special Olympics Alaska Bowling Tournament is expected to draw nearly 400 athletes, coaches and volunteers to Anchorage Nov. 16 to 18, including representatives from the Mat-Su Valley.

Special Olympics Alaska is an accredited program of Special Olympics Inc., a global organization that has provided sports training and competition to people with intellectual disabilities since 1968.

In Alaska, Special Olympics serves more than 2,000 athletes in nearly two dozen communities around the state through local training programs. Athletes attending the tournament have qualified by training for several months and by participating in local bowling tournaments.

The Bowling Tournament will kick off with the pageantry of Opening Ceremonies starting at 5 p.m. at Polar Bowl on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Bowling begins at 6 p.m., Nov. 16 and continues throughout the day on Nov. 17 and 18.

Closing ceremonies are from 3:30 to 4 p.m., Nov. 18.

For more information, contact (907) 222-7625, or visit specialolympicsalaska.org.