Special Olympics bowler offers Obama tips

[Jeangenie]

Washington, Mar.21 : A 38-year-old Down Syndrome victim, who has been bowling for 30 years, has said President Barack Obama needs to practice more if he wants to bring his recent score of 129 anywhere close to his average of 165.

Tim Maloney, who has won awards for his bowling in the Special Olympics, has urged Obama to focus and practice more to improve his score.

Maloney's comment came a day after Obama had joked that his bowling ability was suitable for the Special Olympics, a comment, which invited strong criticism from the physically, visually and mentally challenged communities, as also parents and relatives of such victims and politicians.

"Focus, take his time, and relax" were the simple-but-effective tips Maloney offered the president in a phone interview Friday with FOXNews.com from his home in suburban Milwaukee. "Keep your eyes on the alley."

Maloney also competes in basketball, golf and track and field. In 2007, he won the gold in the 800-meter speed walk and a silver in the 400 meter speed walk at the international Special Olympics in China.

But Maloney said he enjoys bowling most, because "I stay around my dad and my friends and loved ones."

Maloney comes from a bowling family. His father, Larry Maloney, said he bowls a 190; his mother, Nancy bowls a 160; and his sister, Shawn, who also competes in the Special Olympics, bowls a 125.

On his way back to Washington on Air Force One, Obama called the chairman of the Special Olympics, Tim Shriver, to say he was sorry -- even before the taped episode of the "Tonight Show" aired late Thursday night.

Shriver accepted his apology but told FOX News on Friday that the joke still stung.

[Della529]

Mar. 21, 2009 at 3:24 PM

I can see how this would have stung some members of the community, but I don't believe the president intended to hurt anyone.  If anything, to me, it made him seem more human.  Presidental images seem a bit "stuffy" and out of touch with average people.

And, kuddos to Tim Maloney, not only for having a higher average than the president, but for his gracious response.

[JoyeAustin]

Mar. 21, 2009 at 3:51 PM

I agree with Della.

[DanaWar]

Mar. 21, 2009 at 4:50 PM

you know, as soon as I saw Obama was gonna be on Jay Leno, I cringed.  he just is not that type of personality and we kinda need a sobersided formal type of guy in this country right now....I was hurt by his comment regarding special olympics and was glad this bowler came forth....it was also important that he did apologize to Eunice Shriver's son....you might have to walk in my shoes to understand where I am coming from ....

[aurorabunny]

Mar. 23, 2009 at 7:40 PM

That's really cool of him to do.  It's important that we're all able to forgive.