Whether the purpose is to have fun or relieve stress, there’s nothing like hurling a ball down a polished floor and seeing it crash into pins at the other end.
That activity proved to be a big hit among special-needs individuals during a recent bowling outing in Mount Airy.
The event, dubbed the Light up the Lanes Bowling Party, was held last week under the sponsorship of the Arc of Surry, L.H. Jones Family Resource Center and a local church, Mount Airy Friends Meeting.
About 50 special-needs folks in the community attended the party at Mount Airy Bowling Lanes, which included a food and drink table provided by the church, lots of fellowship — and perhaps most importantly — the strikes, spares and occasional gutter balls.
There’s just something about bowling that brings people together as no other sport can, explained Annalisa Davis, director of Jones Family Resource Center, which operates under the YVEDDI (Yadkin Valley Economic Development District Inc.) umbrella.
“It’s a simple sport, but there’s competition to it,” Davis said of the ingredients that make bowling so enjoyable. “It’s just a good, fun sport that most people can do.”
Even those who are severely handicapped could bowl due to special accommodations at the local bowling center which allowed them to participate in the event that was open to anyone with a special need.
The recent Christmas bowling party marked the second year of the event.
“We usually do a dance in the summer,” Davis said, “and we wanted to do something in the winter, too.” Bowling was a logical choice due to its indoors venue and universal appeal.
“Both years have been a big success,” the resource center director said of the bowling outing, which was evident among the guests of the event judging by their smiles that were as plentiful as falling pins.
“I love doing stuff with special-needs (persons),” Davis said, noting their appreciation for bowling in particular. “They really do love it.”
Davis credited the partnership by those who organized the Light up the Lanes Bowling Party.
“It was a huge success and everyone had an awesome time,” she added.
“Thanks to all those that made this day a possibility.”
Tom Joyce may be reached at 336-415-4693 or on Twitter @Me_Reporter.
