LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Steve Helm,

LAREDO, TX – A group of Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) athletes from the Laredo area are getting ready to go for the gold at the 2016 SOTX Winter Games, a statewide competition in Bowling, Powerlifting and
Volleyball, being held in Austin for more than 2,500 athletes from across the state fromFeb. 5-7.

Team Tino has been bowling together for nearly four years and for the first time, it will go on to compete in Bowling at the statewide level.

Abraham Garza, Alexander Lopez, Victor Martinez and Agustin “Tino” Serna are coached by Tino’s momNorma Serna. Team Tino has been practicing every Saturday as a team and they are looking forward to this upcoming competition.

Through their SOTX participation and experience, this team has taken its game outside of the SOTX program by actively bowling together in the local USBC League, through which they have been able to go on and compete at annual state USBC tournaments.

Bowling, the second-most popular SOTX sport – only to Athletics (Track & Field) – will take place at four alleys over the course of the three-day competition, including Dart Bowl, Highland Lanes, Mel’s Lone Star Lanes andWestgate Lanes.

The Powerlifting competition will be held at Round Rock High School Fieldhouse on Saturday, Feb. 6, whileVolleyball and the Victory Dance will take place at the Round Rock Sports Center.

Activities, crafts and games for athletes and their families, as well as free health screenings for athletes through SOTX’s Healthy Athletes ® program will be provided at Athlete Village, located at the Norris Conference Center, on Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The health disciplines being offered are “Healthy Hearing” and “Healthy Promotions” on both days.

Healthy Hearing provides free hearing screenings and Health Promotions provides athletes with information on making healthy lifestyle choices through nutritious foods, physical activity and avoiding tobacco and overexposure to the sun.

Approximately 1,600 volunteers from the community, corporations, schools and universities will contribute their time to serve in numerous capacities, including as officials, scorekeepers, athlete escorts, award presenters, administrative support services, survey conductors and other duties.

The weekend opens Thursday, Feb. 4 with the Opening Ceremony. Events will be held at various venues throughout the Central Texas area and are free and open to the public. Volunteer opportunities are still available.

The Opening Ceremony will be co-emceed by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC-TV) chief meteorologist Scott Fisher and SOTX athlete Patrick Rooney (Highland Village, TX). Entertainment will be provided by magician and special illusionist John O’Bryant. The University of Texas Volleyball team will declare the Games officially open.

 For a schedule of events and all information regarding the 2016 Winter Games, click here.