National Unified Tournament joins USBC Open Championships in Reno
March 04, 2023
RENO, Nev. – The Special Olympics National Unified Tournament recently returned to Reno this week to give more than 300 athletes and unified partners from 14 states the chance to compete at the Taj Mahal of Tenpins and help kick off the festivities for the 2023 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
The event took place March 1-2 at the National Bowling Stadium, marking the 31st edition of the tournament. The 2023 USBC Open Championships will begin its 143-day run at the 78-lane venue March 4 and conclude July 24.
The National Unified Tournament is unique compared to some of the other events the athletes compete in, and the use of “Unified” in the name helps explain what it’s all about.
“Special Olympic athletes get to compete with a community partner in this event, and that makes it truly special,” said event manager Marty Allen.
Each four-player team at the event is comprised of two Special Olympians and their unified partners. The team event took place March 1 over two squads, and doubles competition was March 2.
Teams and doubles pairings competed for medals based on their division.
Allen has been part of every National Unified Tournament dating back to its first year alongside the Open Championships in Toledo, Ohio, in 1991. In describing this year’s event at the National Bowling Stadium, Allen said, “It’s unlike any arena our athletes will compete in. It’s majestic.”
The athletes and partners who participated this year got to experience bowling on its biggest stage, from the championship atmosphere and high ceilings at the NBS to making their way down the famed Center Aisle to start each squad.
“When they marched on the lanes listening to the processional music, it’s truly an Olympic experience for our athletes,” Allen said.
The National Unified Tournament could not happen without the unified partners competing with the Special Olympians or the support they receive on the local level.
“They are so important on the local level,” Allen said. “They are needed to raise the funds that we cannot provide for our athletes, like their travel. Without them, none of this happens.”
Another key need on the local level is receiving proper instruction, which Allen stated makes the relationship with USBC even stronger.
“Everything the USBC does to promote coaching and learning is a perfect fit with our organization,” Allen said. “Our athletes are a big part of the sport on the local level and are USBC members as well.”
The tournament historically is held each year just prior to the start of the Open Championships, and it’s an important relationship for Allen and the Special Olympics.
“The USBC staff, tournament director and everyone involved are just tremendous to us,” Allen said. “They can’t do enough for us and our athletes.”
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.
The event took place March 1-2 at the National Bowling Stadium, marking the 31st edition of the tournament. The 2023 USBC Open Championships will begin its 143-day run at the 78-lane venue March 4 and conclude July 24.
The National Unified Tournament is unique compared to some of the other events the athletes compete in, and the use of “Unified” in the name helps explain what it’s all about.
“Special Olympic athletes get to compete with a community partner in this event, and that makes it truly special,” said event manager Marty Allen.
Each four-player team at the event is comprised of two Special Olympians and their unified partners. The team event took place March 1 over two squads, and doubles competition was March 2.
Teams and doubles pairings competed for medals based on their division.
Allen has been part of every National Unified Tournament dating back to its first year alongside the Open Championships in Toledo, Ohio, in 1991. In describing this year’s event at the National Bowling Stadium, Allen said, “It’s unlike any arena our athletes will compete in. It’s majestic.”
The athletes and partners who participated this year got to experience bowling on its biggest stage, from the championship atmosphere and high ceilings at the NBS to making their way down the famed Center Aisle to start each squad.
“When they marched on the lanes listening to the processional music, it’s truly an Olympic experience for our athletes,” Allen said.
The National Unified Tournament could not happen without the unified partners competing with the Special Olympians or the support they receive on the local level.
“They are so important on the local level,” Allen said. “They are needed to raise the funds that we cannot provide for our athletes, like their travel. Without them, none of this happens.”
Another key need on the local level is receiving proper instruction, which Allen stated makes the relationship with USBC even stronger.
“Everything the USBC does to promote coaching and learning is a perfect fit with our organization,” Allen said. “Our athletes are a big part of the sport on the local level and are USBC members as well.”
The tournament historically is held each year just prior to the start of the Open Championships, and it’s an important relationship for Allen and the Special Olympics.
“The USBC staff, tournament director and everyone involved are just tremendous to us,” Allen said. “They can’t do enough for us and our athletes.”
Visit us on Facebook at the official USBC Open Championships page.