Bowling—long a pastime beloved by teens around the country. There are few things finer on a nasty day then heading to the bowling alley for a long afternoon of strikes and spares.
Even though the Wood River Valley is generally bereft of rainy days, bowling is one of the few diversions that remain affordable here. With this in mind, Mountain Sun Lanes and the Blaine County Recreation District will offer a fall bowling program for youth in the valley.
The program will begin Saturday, Nov. 8, and run for six weeks. All youth in first grade through high school are eligible. Certified bowling coaches will teach bowling etiquette and train for skill advancement. Team practices will be held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
"We haven't had a youth bowling league in years here at Mountain Sun Lanes," said Rosie Soto, association manager for the Wood River U.S. Bowling Congress Association. "I kept thinking, our valley youth is missing out on an amazingly fun sport."
"I researched recreational bowling and was surprised to see how many programs are out there for kids around the country," rec district Youth Programs Director Piers Lamb said. "When Rosie explained how we could do this with BCRD support and have it certified nationally through the United States Bowling Congress, we were excited to jump onboard."
The Wood River USBC Association provides and coordinates men, women, mixed bowling leagues and tournaments at Mountain Sun Lanes. Participants are recognized nationally for bowling achievements, can participate in tournaments, earn recognition for high scores and bowling averages and even receive college scholarship money.
To participate, sign up at the rec district registration office in the Community Campus or at Mountain Sun Lanes.
Registration forms will also be sent home from school. The cost is $65 for the six-week session, which includes two games of bowling per week and rental shoes. There will also be a $10 annual USBC membership fee.
A registration party will be held at Mountain Sun Lanes from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, with free bowling for those who enroll and live music from Music 'n' Me School of Rock bands.
For more information call Piers Lamb at 788-2117, or Rosie Soto at 788-2360, or stop by the rec district office in the Community Campus in Hailey.
And for inspiration, rent the Cohen Brothers' ode to bowling, "The Big Lebowski." (Note to parents, the movie is rated R for language and drug use. If it's a problem, watch it yourself then go register the offspring for the program.)
