Pool Tournament Benefits Special Olympics

Folks gathered from across Ohio and neighboring states at Prophets Park Saturday afternoon to play some pool and raise money for the Special Olympics.

For five years now, Tim Snelling has put on this benefit tournament with the help of donations from area businesses.

“The money goes to the Grand Lodge of Ohio which donates back at the opening ceremonies in Columbus at the Jessie Owens Stadium, and then part of the money goes to our local Starlight program,” Snelling said. “Sandy Drenten is coordinator, and it helps her take more athletes to the Special Olympics.”

With over 50 participants of all ages, the event is able to raise around $1,700. Snelling said that it means a lot to him to be able to provide this to the special needs athletes.

“It’s great. I mean to have them earlier today, we had some of the athletes here, and we’re talking and just to see the expression on their face. They know that you’re helping to support them to get them to Columbus, you know, it just puts a lump in your heart.”

If you missed Saturday’s event, don’t worry. Snelling plans to gather the pool players together again next year to continue to give aid to the Special Olympic athletes.