For Special Olympics athletes at Milford Middle School, winning isn’t everything.

In fact, good sportsmanship and camaraderie are more valued than making a goal or rolling a strike.

For Gerardo Valasquez, 12, being a Special Olympics bowler is a source of pride for both him and his parents.

“I like going with my friends who teach me how to bowl; I think its fun,” Valasquez said. “My favorite part is that you can get points fast. It makes me happy.”

Special Olympics soccer was held in the fall, and the children are now polishing their bowling prowess to prepare for competition against teams from schools throughout Sussex County at 10 a.m. on Dec. 16 at the Milford Bowling Lanes.

The athletes will take up basketball in the spring.

Seeing the athletes improve their sports skills while developing good sportsmanship is a reward unto itself, said social studies and special education teacher Carol Breeding, who is the Middle School’s Special Olympics coordinator and coach.

“They learn to work together as a team,” Breeding said. “They learn to support one another, and they learn that winning isn’t everything. I’ve seen one child help another when they are having trouble, they cheer each other on, they might give each others a hug or high five. Seeing the kids getting along and supporting one another, it’s really great.”

While many Special Olympic bowling teams utilize bumpers to prevent gutter balls, Breeding said going bumperless provides the students the chance to progress.

“We don’t use bumpers; we just bowl and practice and try to do our best,” Breeding said.

“I monitor and assist them. If someone is rolling nothing but gutters, I give them positive direction. They learn to succeed rather than thinking ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do this.’”

Special needs children join Special Olympic for a variety of reasons. They may have physical or developmental limitations, or they may lack the confidence to sign up for other sports teams, Breeding said.

There are about 15 students now participating in the program at the middle school. Breeding hopes to gain more athletes in the coming months.

In addition, she plans to expand a program whereby special needs children partner with others students.

“I’m looking at ways to try to expand the peer part ner program,” Breeding said. “It gives the athletes a good role model and it gives them good company. It’s a nice relationship.”

To enroll a student in the Middle School Special Olympics program, parents may call Breeding at 422-1620.

“The number of athletes is definitely increasing, and that is good,” Breeding said. “I’d rather have too many kids than just have a few kids who can enjoy it. You just get to see a side of them that you wouldn’t see in the classroom.”

Similar Special Olympics programs are also run at Lulu Ross Elementary School and Benjamin Banneker Elementary School. Both of those schools also compete in the soccer, bowling and basketball competitions.