NORFOLK, Neb. -- Unified Bowling in Norfolk has been around a little over seven years and gives kids with special needs an opportunity to compete with those who bowl regularly. 

Students Trinity, Parker, and Logan from York High School expressed, having this opportunity to unify so many diverse back grounds is really exciting. They are happy to be apart of this event and look forward to it again next year. 

Ten schools were invited to play in six games but in order to participate, each team needed one athlete. 

Norfolk High School Activities Director John Erwin said, “An athlete is someone with special needs and the partner is someone who doesn’t have special needs. Their team is required to bowl frames one, four, seven, and 10 to qualify for a medal.”

Although a Night to Unify was about having fun, teams had a chance to compete for the championship and runner up.

Everyone wants to win and probably be number one but there is deeper message. Norfolk High School Activities Assistant Director, Curt Lammers said he hopes not only audiences will see but other organizations will take notice of as well.

“This wasn’t about your team or rooting for a specific individual, you are cheering for everyone to get a strike," Lammers said. “It is really a neat feeling I hope other sports will understand and hopefully go in that direction.”