Local Special Olympics bowler chosen for Team Ohio
Jacob LaVigne has been participating in Special Olympics for eight or nine years. He plays basketball, softball, golfs and bowls. This year, he was chosen as part of a four-person team to represent Ohio in the USA Games to be held in Orlando, Florida in June.
Jacob LaVigne has been participating in Special Olympics for eight or nine years. He plays basketball, softball, golfs and bowls. This year, he was chosen as part of a four-person team to represent Ohio in the USA Games to be held in Orlando, Florida in June.
Toby Collins, director of Special Olympics, said that she sent the list of her bowlers and their averages to the state committee and LaVigne was chosen. “The team has two guys and two girls and each player is from a different county. They have been practicing together once a month. When they compete, they will compete as singles one day, doubles another and then as a whole team.” LaVigne’s average right now is 159.
Jacob said he was nervous to join Special Olympics because he didn’t know what to expect. “Sometimes, you got to face fears. The only way to get over it is to face it head on.” That’s how he handles his nervousness before games and competitions. “I just try to take deep breaths.” He is happy he is in several sports so he can participate nearly year-round.
Jacob is also an athlete leader. “I’m kind of the go-to person when someone new comes. I help people when they are down and help them when they are nervous. I can help motivate them and build their confidence.”
He enjoys Special Olympics because he can meet new people and help build his own self-confidence. “I’d tell people to try new things, even if they are scared. We have fun all the time and we help each other, no matter what.”
Golf is Jacob’s favorite sport because he can be outside and relax while he plays. He also hopes they can find some more basketball players this fall.
He is nervous about competing at the USA Games, but he knows he can do it. “I just have to take my deep breaths.” He is also excited about visiting Animal Kingdom or Magic Kingdom. When Team Ohio practices together, one teammate is especially nervous about competing. “He’ll be okay, though. I’ll talk to him and help him.”
Jacob’s parents are Mike and Jen LaVigne. Jen said Jacob was nervous to try Special Olympics. “Then he went to an event and realized everyone around him was similar to him. He tried basketball first, but then found other activities to take part in. Being part of Special Olympics has brought him more self-confidence and he’s able to communicate better.”
Mike said his participation has really helped his social skills. “It’s a place for him to hang out with kids who won’t take advantage of him. It keeps him active. We used to have to drag him out of the car at school because he didn’t want to deal with the social stuff all day. This has helped his social abilities so much.”
Mike and Jen both said being a Special Olympic athlete allows Jacob to participate without being judged. “Everyone joins at their own level.”
Jacob wants to encourage everyone to try being a Special Olympics athlete. “Everyone is welcome, and we have fun.”
