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Contending for the chance to strike up the title of “Champion of the Lanes,” seven Leeds City Schools’ students earned the honor of bowling their way into the Special Olympics.

The Special Olympics mission is “to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”

Practicing since November these students have been taken under the wings of coaches Brian Gulock and Georgia Cook.

Coach Gulock is the boys’ physical education teacher at Leeds Middle School (LMS) as well as the baseball coach and Cook is a special education teacher who primarily works with fifth and sixth graders, also at LMS.

“The students have approached practices with enthusiasm and positive attitudes, even after they’ve had a long day at school,” said Cook. “Coach Gulock and I hope that this event will be something fun for the kids that will make them feel proud of themselves.”

Representing Leeds elementary, middle and high schools, the seven members of the team were Dante Mallory, Alexis Collins, Madalyn Douglas, Ashley Clinkscales, Daniel Guess, LaDarius Brown and Tytiana Betacourt.

Before the event rolled off Daniel Guess, also known as “Dancing Man,” felt ready saying, “I’m going to try to do my best. I’m good because I’ve got God with me.”

Meanwhile teammate Alexis Collins was eager to get things going as she stated, “I’m so excited!”

Eight grader Haley Powers performed the National Anthem via the violin and Halley Swain from Childersburg High School recited the Oath.

With that the bowling commenced and soon there after high-fives were exchanged because strikes and spares were being picked up.

Besides show off his best moves Dancing Man, pulled up the sleeve of his shirt to showcase his muscles and said, “It’s all about strength.”

Madalyn and Alexis exchanged hugs with one another when things went their way down the lane while Tytiana high-fived sixth grade English teacher Samantha Austin who volunteered during practices with the group.

Mark Glenn who also coaches baseball, is a sixth grade social studies teacher and one of the in school suspension overseers along with fifth grade reading and language teacher Brittney Dunham also served as volunteers during Special Olympics practices.

Mr. Charles Banks, a bus drive for Leeds City Schools, drove the team to their practices and on the day of the competition.

“The volunteers were wonderful with the kids,” said Cook. “They deserve a big thank you!”

Teaming up with students from the Talladega schools’ district, overall 32 kids competed at Lightning Strikes in Trussville.

“Several teachers from Talladega told us they thought it had been great, and that they don’t get the opportunity to do things like this very often,” said Cook. “They also want to participate (with us) in more events like this in the future.”

Gaining confidence and a new skill set, the Leeds City Schools Special Olympics bowling team looks forward to the next time they meet their opponents on the lanes.

“They were all very proud and excited,” Cook said. “When they received their medals, seeing that made it all worth the effort.”