CURWENSVILLE – A woman from Curwensville is a gold medalist.
Chassidy Addleman competed in bowling events that were part of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida from June 5-12. More than 5,500 athletes from all 50 US states and territories took part in the competition, which is modeled after the Winter and Summer Olympics. She won three gold medals for her efforts.
Addleman is the first Special Olympics athlete from Clearfield County to be chosen to attend the games. To be eligible, Addleman had to be nominated by her coaches, then compete in a qualifying bowling event and earn a gold medal in the sport. After the event, the coaches had to confirm their athlete selections.
Addleman’s name was then placed in a draw of qualified athletes and a number from Pennsylvania were chosen to compete in the American Games.
She said she received the news in an online meeting. Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden made the announcement.
“I was really excited,” Addleman said.
She and other athletes departed from University Park Airport following her participation in the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games at Penn State University, State College. Addleman did not compete, she was a spectator there.
At the US Games, Addleman won three gold medals in singles, doubles and team bowling over three days of competition. His teams consisted of four athletes from Pennsylvania.
In May, Addleman met his partner and his team members and they practiced for several days before the trip to Florida.
When asked if she was anxious about competing, Addleman said, “I wasn’t nervous. I’m used to bowling. I love bowling and I love when I get a high score. I was just very excited to be there.
Addleman has been a member of the Clearfield County Special Olympics for 32 years, since he was 14 years old. Over the years, she has competed in swimming, pétanque and bowling events, winning numerous medals.
Addleman said she hopes to continue competing as a Special Olympics athlete, but said the program needs volunteers to continue and financial support. She said volunteers can serve as coaches, transport athletes, mentor them or help plan or organize events. “There are a lot of jobs. Everyone can help,” she explained.
“I love Special Olympics. It’s great fun to be part of it. You meet new people and participate in many activities throughout the year. You are never bored. Something happens every season. It’s fun and exciting to be part of it.
Clearfield County Special Olympics joined Cambria, Central, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties to form the Wilds region.
“The mission of Special Olympics PA is to provide year-round athletic training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with developmental disabilities, giving them lifelong opportunities to develop their physical fitness, to show courage, to experience joy and to participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community,” said the director. of Wilds Area Sports, Kristen Lenig.
Wilds Area Executive Director Pam Velasquez added, “Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. We couldn’t do what we do without them. If you want to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, then Special Olympics PA is for you. Not only will you impact their life, they will positively impact yours. There are many ways to volunteer. You can be a coach, mentor or participate in a single event. For more information, visit the website, https://specialolympicspa-thewilds.org/. “
