ABBEVILLE — Alphonse Botje, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, was awarded a silver medal at the Region 5 South Carolina Special Olympics Masters Bowling Championship last month.
Botje competed against 230 athletes from across the state bowling in 58 championship divisions. His combined score total was 443.
On April 2, he won two first place medals at the Special Olympics competition held in Greenwood.
Botje works full time at the Belmont Inn in Abbeville and practices his bowling skills on the weekends.
He comes from a family who all dedicate their time and talents. His mother provides fresh-cut flowers straight from her own garden for Saturday and Sunday Masses. His sister sings in the choir and helps organize children’s Bible studies. Botje lends his time every Sunday as an altar server.
In referring to Alphonse Botje, Sister Joan Kobe, pastoral administrator at the parish, stated, “He is an example of a person with a very supportive family who enables him to be an active member of the Church as well as the broad society.”