Special Olympics bowler to President Obama: “Bring it on!” [Video]

What a unique and creative way to localize a national story. I love the positive way the local Special Olympics athlete took President Obama’s gaffe.

President Obama made headlines Friday for comparing his bowling skills to the Special Olympics.

On Thursday’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” Obama said his bowling score of 129 was like “the Special Olympics or something.”

Before the show aired, the President called the organization’s chairman Tim Shriver to apologize and to invite the Special Olympians to the White House.

At least one athlete in Carmichael would love to take him up on that offer.

“Mr. President, bring it on,” said Patrick Underly, who has been bowling for two decades.

Underly, who is developmentally disabled, bowls an average of 175, far above the President’s 129. Underly’s father and coach Steve said he isn’t offended by Obama’s comment.

“The Special Olympics athletes teach us to honor people all the time and respect people,” said Steve Underly.

Steve said the Games have also given Patrick the confidence to work the lanes — even better than the Commander in Chief.

“I think I could challenge him to a game and teach him about bowling,” said Patrick Underly. “Teach him how to stay behind the ball and let the ball work.”

“Probably what (Obama) meant to say was that, if I could speak for the President, it’s a challenge to bowl a game as an adult, even to get a 129. It’s such a challenge like Special Olympics athletes, it’s challenge at sports and a challenge in life,” said Steve Underly.

Read more and watch this great story: Special Olympics Bowler to Obama: “Bring It On!”

Blind bowling [Video]

The pins are dropping like they would in any bowling alley but here the person responsible can’t even see their success.

The 52nd annual Midwest Blind Bowling Tournament is taking over this alley all weekend, drawing teams from as far as Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Earnest Sherrill has been bowling for more than 50 years but as glaucoma slowly took away his vision he learned to adapt.

Sherrill says, “Guessing game is about 95, about 95 and the rest is just knowledge.”

The guide railings help, lining bowlers up and the rest is just feel.

Michelle Moxley says, “Just trying to align myself and just trying to throw the ball in the middle of the lane.”

Sherrill says, “Toughest part of the game is trying to get it down the middle because the eyes focus when I hit the light. They focus where the light comes in.”

It’s an opportunity these 260 bowlers are glad to have.

Sherrill says, “I’m very happy because bowling is my life now. You take bowling away form me and I have nothing else to do.”

Read more and watch this story: Blind Bowling

Wheelchair athlete featured on Cheerios box [Video]

This guy has the best attitude. You should watch the video.

Former Marine and wheelchair athlete Jake Hipps is among twelve athletes now featured on Cheerios boxes.

Hipps autographed dozens of Cheerios boxes for fellow vets and his co-workers at the Buffalo VA Hospital.

Hipps, a Vietnam-era vet, lost his ability to walk after a shooting in 1994.  Shortly thereafter, Hipps began competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.  He holds four national records in field events and won three gold medals and one silver medal at last year’s competition.

Hipps has also competed in skiing events, basketball, and bowling competitions.  He’s currently learning to SCUBA dive.

Read more and watch that story: Local Athlete Featured On Cheerios Box