Special Olympics bowlers come to Luke

Anthony Adamo gives Jessika Tannehill some advice before she attempts a spare on October 15th at Thunderbolt Lanes, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. About 100 special needs children from five schools came to Thunderbolt Lanes to prepare for a Special Olympics bowling tournament being held on November 17th in Avondale, Arizona. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost)

Special Olympic bowlers come to Luke

Published Oct. 22, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- About 100 special needs children from five schools came to Thunderbolt Lanes on Luke Air Force Base Oct. 15 to prepare for a Special Olympics bowling tournament being held Nov. 17 in Avondale.

Tech. Sgt. Thomas Pizzuto and his wife, Gail, came to the bowling center to cheer on their son, Vincent, as he competed against his peers.

"Vincent has been diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which makes socializing hard for him," said Sergeant Pizzuto, 944th Mission Support Flight Family Readiness technician. "Bowling, and other team-based activities, teaches him focus, teamwork and improves his social interaction with others."

Sergeant Pizzuto said he appreciates the functions that Luke provides for his son.

"We like to get him involved with sports and activities as much as possible," Mrs. Pizzuto said. "Besides bowling, Vincent participates in other Special Olympic sports, like bocce ball and soccer, and base events, like Operation KIDS."

Mrs. Pizzuto said bowling helps her son and the other special needs students in several ways.

"I've noticed that Vincent does better in school when he can interact with other students," she said. "Bowling is a good way for him to release steam and have a good time. It also gives him the confidence he needs to do his school work."

Sergeant Pizzuto said he is glad the Air Force supports Special Olympics.

"It positively impacts our base," he said. "It shows that we are out there helping with the community and we can support activities on and off base."

Although there isn't a cure for autism, Mrs. Pizzuto said Vincent has improved because of the patience and support he has received from his teachers and caregivers.

"It is hard having a child with special needs, but we wouldn't change a thing," she said. "He enlightens everyone around him and we are very blessed to have him."

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