Golden hopes as bowler Marie heads for Special Olympics

Mar 11 2009 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Wednesday

TOP bowler Marie McAulay will be going for gold at the Special Olympics GB Summer Games in Leicester later this year.

Marie (37), from St Ninians, has been selected for the prestigious event and will join more than 2700 other athletes when the games get underway in July.

As well as perfecting her bowling skills in the run up to the games, Marie has also been busy fundraising, an effort which included a social evening at The Falcon bar in Stirling on Saturday evening.

This proved to be a huge success, with £1800 being raised on the night alone.

Marie’s niece Mandy Hill, who has been helping with the fundraising, said that they were absolutely overwhelmed by the support received.

Mandy added: “The pub was absolutely heaving and the generosity from the community and local businesses was amazing.”

A further £500 of funding has also been secured from William Hill bookmakers company match scheme and Marie dropped into the firm’s Barnton Street shop in Stirling, where Mandy works, last Friday after receiving the good news.