Calgary’s Rainbow Riders
“Bowling is a fun and social sport with just a little competition on the side,” says Brad, organizer for the Rainbow Riders bowling league in Calgary.
Bowling is a sport that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people as it is one that relies more on accuracy than stamina or brute force. “We pride ourselves on participation and successfully cater to everyone who wants to bowl: young or old, beginner or dedicated, fun-seeker or competitive, and this year promises to be even more successful.”
Last season Apollo Bowling celebrated their 22nd anniversary and had 24 teams of 4 bowlers, made up of roughly 40% women and 60% men. “There is a good split between male and female bowlers of all ages.”
According to Brad, a quarter of the league each year is made up of first time bowlers, and Brad encourages, “don’t be shy, come out and join us every Wednesday this season!”
Apollo bowling takes place at Lets Bowl every Wednesday at 7pm. The cost is $17.00 per night, which includes Lineage, and a contribution to the prize fund. Shoe rentals cost a mere $2.50.
“Bowling is one of the original sports that take part in Western Cup each year,” Brad explains. The Western Cup Bowling tournament is coming up soon, running from April 2nd to 3rd. The Tournament is a mixed handicap competition open to men and women made up of events for singles, doubles and teams. Competitors can choose to participate in all three events and score based on their overall performance – in which case they bowl three games per event. Teams consist of four members comprised of any combination of men and women, all of whom compete on an equal basis. Participants are made up mostly of the Rainbow Riders, and also Calgary’s newer Unity Bowling league.
If the fun along isn’t enough to motivate you, there is an estimated $12,500 in prize money up for grabs, among many other prizes. Brad estimates that every bowler on every team will win back almost half of the money they have contributed to the Prize Fund as part of their nightly fee. During the weekly “Bowling for Bucks” game, everyone has a chance at a cash prize of $150: buy a raffle ticket for a dollar, if your ticket is drawn and you bowl a strike, you are an instant winner. If you don’t bowl a strike you still win $10 for every pin knocked down, and the strike pot grows weekly until it is won. Also for just a loonie, you could win the weekly 50/50 pot that averages $100.
Edmonton’s Northern Titans
Team Edmonton’s Northern Titans GLBT Bowling league meets every Saturday evening from 5 to 7pm at the Gateway Lanes. Nightly admission is $15.00.
Unfortunately we were unable to speak to a representative of the Northern Titans league before time of press, however the upcoming Team Edmonton mixer is an excellent opportunity to find out what Northern Titans, and other Team Edmonton leagues are about.
The mixer will be held on February 27 in the art gallery and Creations Lounge at the Sawridge Inn in Edmonton. Guests receive a special Team Edmonton Rate of $99 per night at the hotel if they would like to stay. Admission to this event is free, however you must be over 18 to attend.
