Special Needs Bowling
*The event has already taken place on this date: Fri, 09/15/2023
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
The Challenger Sunshine Bowlers will bowl in 10 or 20 week sessions between September and April in
Medina, Lockport, and Niagara Falls. Everyone bowls two games. Each player is assigned to an alley and a
team, and receives a bowling shirt. Bowlers enjoy a slice of pizza and glass of pop after their games once a
month. Refreshments and part of the cost of bowling is provided through donations from sponsors and
Challenger fundraisers. The bowling fee this year is $35 for 10 weeks or $70 for 20 weeks. Payment is due to
the coordinators at each alley on or before September 1 with a sign-up form* attached. Please make checks
payable to Challenger Sports League and indicate your choice of bowling session, day, time and team member
desired.
For the 2023-24 bowling season the league will bowl for 10-30 weeks according to the following:
Medina Lanes
11249 Maple-Ridge Rd, Medina
10 week sessions beginning September 12, 2023
Tuesdays from 4:30 - 6PM
Contact Cheryl Naish 716-225-0022
Allie Brandt Lanes
6510 Lincoln Ave., Lockport
10 week sessions beginning September 13 & 14, 2023
Wednesdays at 12:00 and 4:30 PM
Thursdays at 4:30 PM
Contact Linda Conlin 716-433-4845
Rapids Bowling Center
9524 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls
10 week session beginning September 15, 2023 ending November 17, 2023
Additional sessions to be determined.
Fridays from 3:15-5:30 PM
Contact Merry Hedges 716-694-3127
There is no bowling Thanksgiving week and the week between Christmas and New Years holidays.
The bowling lanes provide the Challenger bowlers with shoes and bowling balls if needed. Many players prefer
to purchase their own ball and shoes so they can assure a good fit.
Bowlers are encouraged to arrive at the bowling alleys at least 15 minutes before starting times to allow time to
get organized. Upon arrival, players should check in with leaders to find out what alley the player will be
bowling at.
Bowling Buddies are an important part of the bowling program. Their job is simply to be a friend, engage the
player in conversation, if possible, help him/her roll the ball and help position them if needed to get the ball
down the alley for a strike. Buddies sometimes help challenged partners by acting as guides for blind children
or by helping wheelchair-bound players navigate the alley and others with a ramp is needed. Buddies keep the
players attention on the game and make sure that the players are safe and no one gets hurt. This becomes a
rewarding experience for both the player and the Buddy. The Bowling Buddies program allows the parents to
receive a much deserved break and cheer the players from the sidelines. Bowling Buddies are asked to arrive 15
minutes before the games.
One of the goals of the Challenger program is to be as flexible as possible in order to make the experience a
positive one for each player. Some of our athletes in the league bowl from a specially made ramp that the ball
sits on, and with a little push, and aim, the ball will roll down the alley and hit the pins. The rest of the bowlers
give it their best shot and roll the ball down the alley in typical fashion. However, we try to accommodate to
each players skill level and encourage players to bowl in the way they feel most comfortable. Players whose
arm or hand strength prevents them from holding a bowling ball will have help from their assigned volunteer.
Bumper bowling is also available for those who need a little help keeping the ball on the alley.
It's OK not to play.We are very flexible and there is never pressure for the players to participate. There are times
when players are tired or upset and we want you to feel comfortable making the decision about an individual’s
level of participation. Please let your coaches and your assigned buddy know how they can be helpful in these
situations—when to be encouraging and when to back off.
Game cancellations
When Lockport or Medina or Niagara Falls Schools are closed for weather reasons, bowling will be
cancelled in that location on that day.
Bowlers will be notified of weather cancellations via e-mail , Facebook and the Challenger website an hour
before bowling starts if possible.You may call the Challenger Sunshine Bowling Coordinator for the Alley with
questions.
For questions and registration contact the bowling coordinator at the alley of your choice above.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.