Approximately 150 bowlers descended on Beatrice on Friday to test their skills during a Special Olympics competition.

“This is so exciting,” said Heather Cullison of Beatrice, whose sons, Dalton and Dylan, were participating for the first time this year.

She said it's great to have an event like this for children with special needs.

“These kids all know what it's like, nobody makes fun of anybody here. Everyone's here to help each other out,” Cullison said.

Special Olympics competition coordinator Bill Clark said the bowlers involved Friday ranged in age from 8 to 70, all divided into divisions based on gender, ability and age.

People from Nebraska City, Geneva, Crete, Beatrice, Nebraska City and Auburn joined the fun at Beatrice's bowling alleys, Tonka Lanes and the Orange Bowl, for the event.

Friday's event is a qualifying event for state competition that will be held in August. Clark said last year's state bowling competition had approximately 1,100 bowlers.

Younger bowlers, ages 8 to 21, were on hand at Tonka Lanes until noon, while bowlers ages 22 and older bowled at the Orange Bowl in morning and afternoon sessions.

An important part of putting on the event is the help of BHS Key Club members, Clark said.

“They help run the event, without them we would not have a program,” he said.

Clark said Special Olympics is a program that began in the early 1960s and has developed into a worldwide program that provides opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

“I'm involved because it builds self esteem, confidence and social skills,” he said. “And it's a good opportunity for them to show what they can do.”

Clark said he's been involved with Special Olympics in Nebraska since 1974, and it has grown a lot in the last 10-12 years.

“There are a lot of programs within each community,” he said.

For more information, or for anyone looking to get involved, Clark said they can call the Special Olympics Nebraska Office at 1-800-247-0105.