News : Special Olympics announces fund-raiser for bowling ramps

The East Central Iowa Special Olympics organization, which includes the local Vinton-Shellsburg United team, has announced a fund-raising campaign for its bowling programs.

"We are trying to raise money to buy ramps for the East Central Area bowling," says Theresa Werner of Vinton. "It would benefit Vinton-Shellsburg because they have several ramp bowlers."

The ramps cost $375 each and are built by disabled veterans.

"We are looking to raise enough money for 18 ramps to support area and state competitions in Cedar Rapids. We had 78 ramp bowlers for area competition this last year. The old ramps are very unstable and move when ball rolls down the ramp. This makes it difficult for the bowlers to position the ramp and get an accurate score. The new ramps are braced and stable. The score the athletes would get would be a valid bowling average. Every year the number of ramp bowlers increase."

If you'd like to make a donation, you can contact: Ddarrel.brothersen.yahoo.com. Phone: (319) 551-8360

Mail Checks to: East Central Iowa Special Olympics 515 E 8th St., Vinton, IA 52349.