A pair of Yorkton coaches are bringing an exclusive Special Olympics tournament to town this month.
Pam Schmuck and Sherry Pasloski are organizing a singles bocce ball tournament for Special Olympics athletes on Jun. 10. The day-long event will begin at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart High School.
鈥淭here鈥檚 22 athletes coming from around the province,鈥� Schmuck said.
Pasloski is the coach for the five-person Saskatchewan bocce ball team. They鈥檙e heading to Antigonish, Nova Scotia, in late-July to compete against other provincial athletes in a national tournament. Pasloski said her team needs experience with singles bocce ball, which inspired her and Schmuck to host the tournament in Yorkton.
鈥淲e have to get used to [the singles] format,鈥� Pasloski said.
Pasloski will run her team through fitness and skills tests during the weekend of the tournament.
鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be a full weekend for the national team,鈥� she said.
鈥淭he Special Olympics athletes have to train just as hard as the generic athletes,鈥� Schmuck said.
The duo are hosting the tournament through Parkland Valley Sport, Culture, and Recreation District. Special Olympics Saskatchewan has officially sanctioned the event.
There will be a series of games held at 11 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 1:20 p.m. before a finals medal round at 2:30 p.m.
鈥淚t鈥檚 done in a round robin in three divisions,鈥� Schmuck said.
Pasloski and Schmuck are looking for a bevy of volunteers for the tournament. They need a minimum of 22 people to assist with officiating and scorekeeping, although Schmuck would prefer to have 30 volunteers so they can work in shifts throughout the day.
鈥淲e still need a volunteer in a major way,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to get [them].鈥�
Schmuck will host a 10-minute crash course in officiating for the volunteers.
鈥淚 will be there all day to help out,鈥� she said.
Schmuck and Pasloski encourage the public to attend the tournament. Admission is free.
鈥淎nyone is welcome to come out to cheer them on,鈥� Schmuck said. 鈥淭he athletes would love it.
鈥淏ring a lawn chair.鈥�
Schmuck and Pasloski said tournaments like these help children with special needs grow and socialize.
鈥淸Special Olympics build] self-esteem,鈥� Pasloski said. 鈥淲hen you do well, you鈥檙e happy with youself.
鈥淭hey need to be out there.鈥�
Anyone who wants to volunteer with the bocce ball tournament can contact Pam Schmuck at 306-621-3563.聽
