Seniors Throw Nothing But Strikes

For a couple hours each week, a group of seniors get together, grab their controllers and bowl on the digital lanes.

“It is a way to have some fun and get some enjoyment,” Gil LeBovitz said about the group of seniors who play Wii Bowling on the Nintendo Wii every Wednesday. 

Marilyn Swepson, who is one of the founding members of the group, loves playing the game with friends.

“It gets me out of the house,” Swepson, whose high score is 289, said. "It keeps me competitive." 

The games are just friendly competition and a way for seniors to socialize. It is a judgment free zone, but there is a little playful teasing.

“They are more than happy to tell you what you are doing wrong,” Phyllis Kells said.

LeBovitz said holding a Wii controller is easier on his hands than a bowling ball.

“I have arthritis in my hands and it is hard to pickup a bowling ball,” LeBovitz said.  “It doesn’t require a lot of strength.”

The is called the “Rocky Hill Ringers,” Swepson said. She hopes to someday compete against the West Hartford Senior Center's Wii Bowling group, “The West Hartford Elms.”

The meets every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the .  Bowling is free and the group is always looking for new bowlers. For more information, call 860-258-2786.