Group seeks to make Mobile Mecca for special bowling needs | Mobile County Alabama News
MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) – The Skyline Lanes were packed with action Saturday morning. The Programs for Athletes with Special Needs (SNAP) hosted a bowling tournament and gave their athletes the chance to shine.
“So many of these athletes with special needs have nothing else to do during the week. They can’t wait to come bowling and spend some free time with people of their level,” said Joe Marshall, executive director. and president of SNAP.
As the shiny balls glide across the hardwood, the competition is stiff.
“I’m the bowling master. It’s my lucky dance – lucky charm. I love it,” said Bowler LeeAnn Lankford.
Lankford says practice makes perfect.
“I’m actually starting my career as a professional bowler,” Lankford proclaimed.
And she is not alone. Thomas Lynch is also addicted to bowling.
“It’s fun and I love coming here every day,” said Lynch.
While you can find them playing here almost every Saturday, Marshall’s vision is to bring special needs bowling teams from across the state to compete in the port city.
“We want Mobile to not only be family friendly, but we would like to see it – Mobile – become the special needs bowling mecca statewide of Alabama,” Marshall said.
With help from the Mobile Sports Authority, they see the potential for growth and aim to host their first State Special Needs Bowling Championship in June 2022.
“Watch these people bowling. They’re pretty good. I mean they really are! And we’ve seen that potential. We’re going to try to develop it statewide and maybe even the region. over the next few years. It just takes a little while to get going, “said Danny Corte, executive director of the Mobile Sports Authority.
Time is not a problem here. And while they do keep the points, it really is about the camaraderie.
And the best of this event for the participants?
Thomas Lynch said, “Get out of the house. And I like to see my friends.”
“It sounds like magic! Friendship is magic,” Lankford said.
Each of the athletes went home with a medal in memory.
If you want to get involved, you can call the folks at SNAP at 251-366-9978.
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