- April 25, 2024
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Special-needs bowlers have had a league of their own for the past half-decade, thanks to the Elks Lodge.
BY WAYNE GRANT | STAFF WRITER
Residents with special needs hit the lanes and get rolling every Saturday, thanks to a sponsorship from Ormond Beach Elks Lodge 2193.
The lodge hosted a pizza party for the bowling league Aug. 24, at Ormond Lanes, where Karen Gleason, grant chairman for the lodge, presented a check for $400 to pay league dues. The lodge also pays for the bowlers' T-shirts and equipment using grant money from the national Elks organization.
The league was started by Jean Schmidtke about five years ago. She wanted her granddaughter, who has Down syndrome and is a client at Arc of Volusia, to be able to bowl. After the Arc team started, others learned about it and, today, there are about 40 participants.
Arc of Volusia helps adults with developmental disabilities.
The lodge took over sponsorship of the league a couple years ago, and Gleason said the bowlers always enjoy each other's company.
“They give each other hugs when they see each other,” she said. “They show a lot of emotion when they roll a good ball and cheer each other.”
The league currently bowls every Saturday and some have become quite accomplished. While most don’t break 100, there are sometimes scores close to 200.
“We didn’t have to do much teaching,” she said. “They figured it out.”
The competition is friendly with all four bowlers on a team using the same lane and playing against each other.
The participants have fun, get exercise and develop a skill. Some even begin identifying themselves with the sport.
"Hi,” one player introduced herself. “I’m Cheryl. I’m a bowler.”
