(l-r) Julia Crum, Matthew Behr, Jessica O'Neill, Angela Buziak and Rachel Werder

Every week throughout the academic year, The Lawrence Lightning Special Olympics Bowling League, composed of 45 Rider students and 17 Special Olympians from the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District, get together at Curtis Lanes in Ewing, N.J., for an afternoon of knocking down the pins and building friendships. On October 28, the league was honored at the Mercer County Special Olympics Dinner Dance as the "Program of the Year," for its overall team performance and support of Special Olympics events year-round.

The league, now in its seventh year, was launched by Dr. Hope Corman, professor of economics; Dr. Michele Kamens, assistant professor of teacher education; and Dr. Chrystina Dolyniuk, assistant professor of psychology.

“I am very proud of the athletes and students who have helped make this program such a success,” said Corman, whose 25-year-old daughter, Jessica Rockoff, an individual with Down Syndrome, is a league member. “This is my largest and most enthusiastic group of Rider students ever. They have been such wonderful peers to the special athletes, and truly supportive teammates. Our program is unique in that it is a ‘Unified’ team, where special athletes and their age-appropriate peers engage in this sport and compete together. Being on a team with enthusiastic college students is what our special athletes find so wonderful.”

According to Corman, the goal is to help young people with special needs gain age-appropriate social skills among their peers. Once Matt Behr of Sewell, N.J., signed up for the league, he knew was the right thing to do. “I have been participating in the bowling program for two years now, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Behr. “It feels good to help people out. The athletes are a pleasure to be around.”

Jessica O’Neill of North Bergen, N.J., a sophomore elementary education/psychology major, concurs. “I've gotten to know two unique peers, Megan and Jill, and each week I look forward to seeing their improvements in both bowling and social interaction, as well,” said O’Neill. “They are great people.”

Since the weekly social does not carry course credit, Corman is especially pleased with the strong camaraderie that has developed among all team participants. “Rider student participation has more than doubled over the past seven years,” she noted. “Our students are involved simply because they enjoy it,” said Corman. “Our special athletes love their company. I’ve got a dream team.”

 

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