The 2008 Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Bowling Championships are taking place Saturday, May 31, in St. John�s.  The championships will host over 400 athletes, coaches and mission staff from seven different Special Olympics community-based clubs across the province. 

Competition will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Due to the large number of participants the championships will be split between two venues. St. Pat�s Bowling Lanes on Blackmarsh Road and Plaza Bowl on Ropewalk Lane. Following the competition teams will be gathering for a dinner and reception before travelling home.

This is the largest single sport championships in the organizations history with close to 300 athletes competing. "Special Olympics is extremely excited about the growth of our programs and the gaining in prominence of our provincial competitions" says Johnny Byrne, Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador Executive Director. "Our provincial championships are our marquee events that mark the culmination to the year for our community-based clubs across the province. We are looking forward to another great event to be hosted in St. John�s this weekend."

Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador is dedicated to enriching the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans with an intellectual disability through sport.   It is a provincial not-for-profit grassroots organization that provides sport training and competition opportunities for over 450 athletes of all ages and abilities. There are currently 12 community-based clubs that offer sport programs. Through sport Special Olympics offers athletes and families a sense of achievement and an opportunity to excel as they take on leadership roles within their community

For more information about the provincial championships and Special Olympics programs please contact Executive Director Johnny Byrne.

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Media contact:
Johnny Byrne
Executive Director
Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador
354 Water Street � Suite 426
St. John�s, NL A1C 1C4
709-738-1923, cell: 709-690-8334, fax: 709-738-0119
Website: www.sonl.ca