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.
“There’s 22 athletes coming from around the province,” Schmuck said.
Pasloski is the coach for the five-person Saskatchewan bocce ball team. They’re 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.
“We have to get used to [the singles] format,” Pasloski said.
Pasloski will run her team through fitness and skills tests during the weekend of the tournament.
“It’s going to be a full weekend for the national team,” she said.
“The Special Olympics athletes have to train just as hard as the generic athletes,” 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.
“It’s done in a round robin in three divisions,” 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.
“We still need a volunteer in a major way,” she said. “It’s hard to get [them].”
Schmuck will host a 10-minute crash course in officiating for the volunteers.
“I will be there all day to help out,” she said.
Schmuck and Pasloski encourage the public to attend the tournament. Admission is free.
“Anyone is welcome to come out to cheer them on,” Schmuck said. “The athletes would love it.
“Bring a lawn chair.”
Schmuck and Pasloski said tournaments like these help children with special needs grow and socialize.
“[Special Olympics build] self-esteem,” Pasloski said. “When you do well, you’re happy with youself.
“They need to be out there.”
Anyone who wants to volunteer with the bocce ball tournament can contact Pam Schmuck at 306-621-3563.
